If you find yourself in a car accident in Arkansas, it is likely that you will eventually have to communicate with an insurance adjuster. The adjuster is responsible for carefully examining the specific details of the accident and determining how your insurance policy will cover your claim or a claim made by the other party.
Insurance adjusters are not on your side, even if they appear friendly and supportive. Their main objective is to minimize the amount their employer pays out on your claim. To avoid being caught off guard, it is best to discuss the specifics of your accident with our attorneys, who can help you anticipate the frequently asked questions adjusters might ask. If negotiations do not go smoothly and you are not offered a reasonable settlement that covers your losses, you can seek damages by filing a lawsuit.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our Arkansas car accident attorneys and receive your free case evaluation.
How Should I Deal with an Insurance Adjuster After an Arkansas Car Accident
If you have been in an accident and suffered injuries, it is likely that you will need to communicate with an adjuster from your insurance company or the insurer of the driver who injured you. These conversations can be challenging, particularly if you are unprepared. The adjuster might attempt to offer you a settlement less than what you are entitled to or even reject your claim. It is crucial to be well-prepared for these conversations to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Here are a few tips on how to handle an insurance adjuster after a car accident in Arkansas:
Never Give a Recorded Statement
If you have been in a car accident and your insurance company asks for a recorded statement, it is essential to exercise caution. An improperly worded statement can be used against you and cause harm to your case. Therefore, it is crucial to be truthful and mindful of the information you provide.
It is wise to be careful when giving statements that can be used to incriminate you in any way. Our Arkansas car accident attorneys can provide representation to help ensure that you do not have to speak against your best interests. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid giving a recorded statement unless your attorney is present. Insurance adjusters often use this tactic to counter your claims of injury, arguing that you are not as injured as you claim to be.
Review and Understand Your Insurance Policy
If you are involved in an accident and have collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it is highly recommended that you file a claim with your own insurance company to repair your car first. This ensures that your vehicle is fixed promptly and you can get back to your daily routine.
Your insurance company will gather all relevant information about the accident and recommend a trusted mechanic to fix your vehicle. After you pay the deductible and it is established that you are not at fault for the accident, you will usually receive the deductible back.
On the other hand, if you choose to wait for the other party’s insurance company to make a decision, you might have to wait for a month or even longer to get your car fixed. This can cause major inconvenience and disruption to your daily life.
Moreover, if the insurance company does not provide coverage for a rental car, you might be left without a vehicle to drive during that waiting period. Therefore, it is advisable to file a claim with your own insurance company to avoid any unnecessary delays and inconvenience.
Provide the Insurance Company with Your Medical Billing
After a car accident, filing an insurance claim can be a daunting task. One of the most important aspects of this process is submitting your medical bills. Traditionally, the bills are obtained from your doctor and then passed on to the insurance adjuster or your attorney. However, this can sometimes cause delays in the processing of your claim.
To avoid any unnecessary delays, it is advisable to request that your doctor bill the insurance company directly. While some doctors might be hesitant to do this, fearing that they might not receive payment, it is actually to their benefit in the long run. If your case goes to court, your doctor is likely to receive more money than they would have if they had just sent you the bill to pass on to the insurance company.
If you decide not to send your medical bills directly to the insurance company, any difference between the amount you receive in the settlement and the bill amount should be refunded to you and not your doctor. Therefore, it is always best to ensure that your medical bills are submitted correctly to expedite the processing of your claim.
Provide Evidence of Your Accident and Injuries
In the event of an accident, it’s always advisable to take pictures of the accident scene if you are able to. These pictures can be taken by you, witnesses, or police officers and can prove to be crucial in determining the party at fault. These pictures can also be used to estimate the settlement amount, as they provide evidence of the value of your claim.
Capturing images of your car, any injuries, property damage, and damage to the other car involved can be immensely helpful in proving your claim. These images serve as proof of what happened in case the other party makes a false statement. Having these pictures can greatly improve your chances of being awarded the settlement amount you want.
Do Not Settle without Speaking to a Lawyer
When you receive a call from an insurance adjuster, it is important to remember that their goal is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. They will often start with a lowball offer, which is only the first step in a negotiation process. You have the right to reject their initial offer and make a counteroffer that is more in line with the actual value of your claim.
However, the adjuster might refuse to entertain your counteroffer and decide to take the case to court. In some cases, they might offer a slightly higher amount in response to your counteroffer, but it is important to continue negotiating until you receive an offer that is fair and reflects the true value of your claim. It is crucial to consult with your attorney about the actual worth of your claim so that you can make informed decisions during the negotiation process.
Reach Out to Our Firm
If you are thinking about talking to the insurance adjuster of the other party involved in the accident, it’s advisable to have your lawyer present with you during the conversation. Our team is always here to assist you in deciding the best way to handle interactions with insurance adjusters. Furthermore, we can provide you with valuable guidance on which questions to respond to at this time and which ones to refrain from answering until you appear in court, ensuring that your legal rights remain safeguarded.
Our Arkansas Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
For a free case review with our Arkansas personal injury lawyers, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.