Injury
If you are involved in an automobile, trucking or other accident involving an insurance company, an insurance adjuster will call you within several days of the accident. Usually they will ask to record your statement as to how the accident happened. They want a statement for one reason – to use it against you! They will act as if you have an obligation to speak to them, however, you do not have any legal obligation to speak to an insurance adjuster about your accident.
Never speak to an insurance adjuster until you have first spoken to an attorney. Preferably, all of your communication with the adjuster will be through your attorney. This is even the case with your own insurance company!
The insurance company, theirs or yours, is contacting you for one thing – to protect its interests. With very few exceptions, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. In order to maximize its profits, it has two main goals: (1) to charge high premium charges (maximize revenue), and (2) to pay you as little money as possible (minimize costs) . Therefore, one way they maximize their profits is to pay out as little money as possible on its claims.
In summary, (1) never make a recorded statement about your accident before consulting an attorney, and (2) never sign any papers or documents before consulting with an attorney. If you've received papers that your insurance company is requesting you sign, call us to set up an appointment. We'll review those documents for free and give you the legal advice and information you need to make an informed decision.