“How kind… the other guy’s insurance company just called to see if I was okay after the accident.”
“But they were so nice.”
“They even asked for authorization to see my medical records so that they could determine what a fair amount would be to compensate me for my injuries.”
Unfortunately, we hear statements like these too often. Yes, the insurance adjuster sounded very sincere, and yes, it’s nice that they were concerned with your well-being after their client caused your injuries.
Except they aren’t sincere. They aren’t concerned. They’re trying to get out of giving you a dime, and they’re trained to get you to slip up so that they can keep the money you deserve.
An Insurance Adjuster Has One Job, and It’s Not to Look Out for You
Insurance adjusters might be very nice people when they’re not at work. But when they are at work, they’re focused on only one thing: saving their company money. Here are three huge reasons you should never talk to an insurance adjuster.
1. Insurance adjusters work for their company, not you. When they call to “check in” and see if you’re okay, what they’re really doing is trying to get your side of the story to see if it matches their client’s side. They’re also trying to get you to slip up so that your credibility is shot if you go to court. They’re recording your call, too, so no detail will go unnoticed.
2. When they ask for authorization to see your medical records, it’s not only because they want to see the extent of your injuries. Sure, they do want to know how badly you were—or weren’t—hurt in the accident that their client caused. However, they’re also looking into your medical history, which can show that you’re prone to injuries similar to those you sustained in the accident.
3. They aren’t good neighbors and they aren’t on your side. Insurance adjusters focus on the bottom line, and the more they have to pay you, the worse off their bottom line will be. They’re going to do everything within their power to minimize the impact your case has on their finances, even if it means that they’re forcing you to go without necessary medical care because you can’t afford it.
If an insurance company calls you after your car accident, let it go to voicemail. Play the message for your personal injury lawyer and let him or her decide what to do about it. Your attorney is trained to deal with insurance adjusters, and he or she will be able to handle them effectively so that you get the justice you deserve.