If you have gotten into a car accident and sustained injury, there are several mistakes that you need to avoid at all costs to prevent getting a smaller settlement. By avoiding the mistakes that we have mentioned in the list below, you can end up getting a much faster and bigger settlement.
Without further ado, let us jump into the list.
Hiding Your Previous Claims
The first mistake that you should avoid at all costs is the mistake of hiding your past claims. You should know that insurance companies have access to your past insurance claims. Usually, insurance companies are subscribed to the ISO, which means they can access information about every claim that you have made.
So, never make the mistake of hiding your past claims from your insurance adjuster. This aspect also takes us to the reason why insurance adjusters ask you for the following details:
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your address
With these details, the insurance adjusters can run a claim search on you and see all of your past claims.
Demanding a Fixed Amount
On number two on this list, we made the mistake of demanding a specific amount from the insurance adjusters. By making this mistake, you can cause a smaller settlement than you originally deserved. So, under no circumstances should you make a demand for a specific amount.
The best practice is to get a lawyer on board and ask for a fair offer. For instance, if you have gotten into a truck accident and you have sustained injuries along with sustaining damages to your vehicle. In this case, if the accident happened in Portland, you should get in touch with the truck crash attorneys in Portland, as the attorney will protect your rights and ensure you get a fair settlement for the truck accident claim.
Also, the point is to let the insurance company make the first move. Their offer might surprise you as it can be much higher than you thought it would be.
Falling for the Adjuster’s Tricks
You should know that insurance adjusters are not on your side. Insurance companies, like any other business, have only one interest, which is to protect their money. So, you should avoid the mistake of falling for the insurance adjuster’s tricks.
With the help of an attorney, you can ensure that you don’t fall for the adjuster’s negotiation tricks. Also, all sorts of communication that you have with the insurance adjusters should be done in writing. The best thing to do is to allow your attorney to take over, as the attorney will understand all potential tricks that the insurance adjusters will have up their sleeves.
The attorney will see right through the adjuster’s intentions of making you settle for a way less amount than you originally deserved. The best way to deal with an insurance adjuster is through your attorney. Also, make sure all communication is in writing so that you keep a record of the fact when the insurance company might switch the adjuster who was originally assigned to your claim.
Believing the Insurance Adjuster
Many people make the mistake of believing their insurance adjuster – however – you should avoid this mistake at all costs. Of course, insurance adjusters are nice people – there is nothing evil about them. They are trained to deal with you politely and nicely, which is why it is human nature that you would want to believe them and whatever they say to you.
You should know the simple rule on which these insurance companies operate, which is that for every dollar that the insurance company saves, it means one dollar less in your pocket that is otherwise rightfully yours.
In simpler words – negotiating a personal injury claim is similar to playing poker. You don’t always tell the other side what your hand is, as sometimes you have to bluff. In personal injury claims, most of the time, the insurance adjusters are bluffing.
A common question that the insurance adjuster would ask you is about the potential settlement range that you would be willing to accept. Whatever range you tell them, they will make notes of the lower end of the range.
Allow your attorney to make all negotiations with the insurance adjusters so you can get the most out of the settlement. This is the only secure way to get a settlement that has a much higher amount than what the insurance adjuster was trying to pin on you.
Not Paying Attention
You will always want to pay close attention to what your insurance adjuster might ask you for, such as an estimate for your surgery costs. However, it is also important to know that just because the insurance adjuster asks you something, it doesn’t necessarily apply that you are required to give them the details.
In fact, sometimes, giving details can hurt your settlement case. For instance, if another driver has caused you an injury – the insurance adjuster might ask you to make a recorded statement. However, if the at-fault driver’s insurance company is asking you to make a recorded statement – you are not required to give a recorded statement.
So, the best thing to do is to play it safe and stay in touch with your lawyer.
Being Rude to the Adjuster
Another mistake that you want to avoid at all costs – else – it might destroy your personal injury settlement amount is the mistake of being rude to the insurance adjuster. At this point, you might be wondering why you cannot be rude as it is a business, and you don’t necessarily have to shake every hand coming your way.
So, you don’t have to become friends with the insurance adjusters – but – make sure to be nice and polite. The insurance adjusters have loads of files at any time, and you want to be remembered as someone who was being nice to them.
You don’t have to fold over and comply with everything they ask for – however – be assertive and firm, and accept whatever amount you are going to take, set a limit, and file a lawsuit if you have to. Do whatever you have to do – however – remember that they are employees just like you, which is why you want to be nice to them.
