If you are seriously injured in a collision with a negligent driver, you may want to call the insurance company immediately to file a claim. Although you should file your claim as soon as possible, it is a good idea to call an attorney first so you can avoid crucial mistakes that would harm your case, such as making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster or unknowingly admitting fault.
Insurance adjusters might come across as compassionate and helpful, but they ultimately represent the insurance company, which means they have financial incentive to find a reason to undervalue or deny your claim. A personal injury lawyer can handle correspondence with the insurance adjuster on your behalf and level the playing field.
If you want to discuss your case with an injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Should I Call an Attorney Before Talking to an Insurance Adjuster?
If you are hurt in a car accident, there are several reasons why you should seek legal counsel before speaking with the insurance adjuster. In fact, if you can avoid talking to the adjuster directly at all, your case may be stronger for it. Calling an attorney before talking to a claims adjuster will:
- Protect your ability to recover compensation for all the damages you incurred;
- Prevent you from accepting a settlement that is much less than what you deserve; and
- Limit your direct involvement in the case so you can focus on recovering.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claims adjusters are responsible for evaluating the strength of new claims and calculating how much each claimant deserves to recover. They essentially serve as investigators on behalf of the insurance company, and they are trained to extract information from claimants that they can later use to devalue the case.
For example, an insurance adjuster might ask you to give a recorded statement regarding your injuries before you actually know their true extent. He or she could also lead you to admit that you played at least a small role in the collision. If you do either of the above, it will jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
Insurance adjusters are also skilled negotiators, and when you speak with them directly, they may try to get you to accept a quick settlement that, while it might sound appealing, is a lot less than what you deserve. Many accident victims are inclined to accept a small sum to settle their case immediately because they want to avoid lengthy negotiations, and they need the cash in hand. If you accept a settlement before you know the extent of your future damages, you could end up losing out on a significant amount of money.
If you were hurt in an accident that was not your fault and you need to file an insurance claim, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident attorney will protect your best interests throughout the claims process.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free case evaluation. You can learn more about filing a car accident claim in Iowa by visiting USAttorneys.com.
