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After a Florida car accident, an adjuster from an insurance company will likely ask you how the accident happened, what do you think caused the accident, do you have health problems, were you using your cell phone, did you drink any alcohol and more. The adjuster’s goal is to try and lock you into a story about how the accident happened—as well as the extent of your injuries and your fault. Unfortunately, answering these questions can put you at risk of not recovering the full amount you are entitled to receive for your damages.
At Kogan & DiSalvo, we bring our extensive experience in accident scene investigation and our record of million-dollar verdicts to bear in advocating for our clients. Our attorneys respect the trauma you have been through and appreciate how important your accident case is to your and your loved ones. Contact us today for a free consultation. It offers a no-obligation opportunity to ask questions and determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation.
What is the Risk of Talking to an Adjuster After An Accident?
You are never obligated to talk to an insurance adjuster after an accident. However, speaking with a car accident lawyer in Florida is essential. When you get a call from an adjuster, refer them to your lawyer. Remember, an insurance adjuster doesn’t represent you. Even if they sound sympathetic, their duty is to minimize the insurance company’s liability. Even when the adjuster works for your insurance company, they are still not your advocate.
After an accident, you are likely traumatized, and an adjuster might take advantage of this. They may sound friendly, but they have a purpose–to get you to make statements they can use against you. Many questions are not direct; they tend to be trickier. For example, they might ask if you have returned to work since the accident. It is a roundabout way of proving you weren’t injured if you answer in the affirmative. They might also ask how the accident happened. If you express uncertainty, it can also be used against you.
Questions the insurance adjuster might ask include the following:
- How did the accident happen?
- Do you have health problems?
- Did you get hurt in the accident?
- Did anyone else in the car get hurt?
- Who do you think caused the accident?
- Did you drink any alcohol before the accident?
- Have you gone back to work since the accident?
- What was the visibility like on the day of the accident?
- Where were you coming from, and where were you going?
- What were you doing right before the accident happened?
- Were you using your cell phone at the time of the accident?
The adjuster might ask about the progress you and your lawyer have made in your investigation, such as obtaining the police report and witness statements. However, you aren’t obligated to turn that information over to the adjuster.
Contact a Florida attorney before you respond to an inquiry from the following
Post-accident questioning techniques amongst Florida adjusters are essentially the same as noted above. Contact a Florida car accident attorney after an accident before you respond to an inquiry from:
What Should I Say to the Insurance Adjuster?
The safest thing to say to the insurance adjuster—whether they represent your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer—is that you have an attorney or plan to retain one. Tell the adjuster that they will have to speak with your lawyer directly. This protects your rights after a car accident.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Kogan & DiSalvo, we could evaluate your unique case, including answering questions from insurance adjusters to ensure your rights are not compromised. We can prepare a strong demand package to move your accident case toward settlement or trial. Call now for a free consultation; there is no obligation to hire us afterward. And since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
We look forward to hearing from you.
