A car wreck is a terrible experience that can leave you shaken and uncertain about what to do next. After a car accident, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to assess the damage to your car and any medical bills you’ve acquired as a result of the accident.
They may offer you a settlement right away. But before you accept, you should know that accepting a settlement could hinder your ability to collect damages for your injuries or time away from work.
Although getting your car fixed is important, it shouldn’t be your only concern. Here are 11 questions to ask an insurance adjuster after a car accident.
1. Put It in Writing
Request a written statement from the insurance company saying the accident wasn’t your fault and was the fault of the other driver.
If they won’t do this, they may argue the accident was your fault, wholly or partially.
2. Get a Copy of the Policy From the Insurance Adjuster
Ask for a copy of the other driver’s insurance policy.
You want a record of the policy limits and the amount of money available to pay your claim.
3. Recorded Statements
In most cases, the insurance company will record your statement.
They may not want you to see a copy of the statement from their insured driver. Ask for a copy.
4. Written Promise
Before you agree to sign a medical release, ask the insurance company for a written promise they will provide copies of every medical record they collect.
Medical releases are often broadly written and allow the insurance company access to all your medical records. Ask the insurance company to restrict access to injuries pertaining to the accident only.
5. Witness Statements
Ask to see copies of all witness statements.
The insurance company doesn’t like to share this information, but you’re entitled to it.
6. Secondary Insurance
Ask about secondary insurance coverage and if there’s an umbrella policy.
If they claim there’s not one, request a signed affidavit from their insured driver.
7. Medical or Personal Information
Ask whether the insurance company has collected medical or personal information about you through electronic databases or any other source.
Request copies of any information they have obtained.
8. Credit or Debt Information
Ask the insurance company if they gathered any credit or debt information on you.
They may have information about debts you owe, whom you owe, and when payments are due.
9. Investigations on You
Ask whether any investigations or surveillance has been conducted on you.
Request copies of any photos, films, or reports they may have.
10. Questioning Others About You
Ask if the insurance company has questioned people in your neighborhood or others about you.
Ask for copies of any information they’ve gathered.
11. Amount of Financial Reserve
Ask the insurance company how much financial reserve they have set for your particular case.
This is the amount they believe you deserve.
Hire the Best Car Insurance Lawyer
The aftermath of a car accident is never easy, and the process can be overwhelming. You may wonder what is an insurance adjuster and what should you do next.
Instead of dealing with the insurance company on your own, hire an experienced car insurance lawyer to handle all the details for you.
With over 20 years of experience, auto insurance attorney Jonathan Schwartz has the experience it takes to deal with insurance companies and achieve the best possible results for his clients.
Don’t try to go it alone. Call Attorney Jonathan Schwartz today for a free case review.