Should I Talk to the Insurance Claims Adjuster After a Connecticut Car Accident?

Instead of wondering whether you should talk to the insurance claims adjuster after a Connecticut car accident, the smart choice is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC. We can deal with the auto insurance company and seek maximum compensation for you.

What Should I Do Immediately Following a Car Accident?

After a car accident in Connecticut, follow these steps to protect your rights:

  • Call 911 and report the crash.
  • Take pictures of the crash scene, the damage to any vehicles involved, any visible injuries you have, and the road conditions.
  • Ask the other driver for their contact and insurance information.
  • Take down the names and contact details of any potential eyewitnesses.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Contact Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, as soon as possible to speak with a knowledgeable Connecticut car accident attorney.

How Long After the Accident Before the Insurance Claims Adjuster Contacts Me?

Insurance adjusters often reach out within a day or two of an accident. However, it could take several days depending on the company and the accident’s severity. Some insurers make contact once someone files a claim, while others begin their investigation as soon as they learn about the auto accident.

What Should You Say to the Insurance Claims Adjuster?

When an insurance adjuster calls, you should keep your comments brief and focus on basic facts. You can confirm your name, contact information, and the date and location of the accident. Avoid going into detail about who caused the collision, your injuries, or how the crash happened. Remember, even simple statements can hurt your case if you aren’t careful.

You do not have to give the adjuster a recorded statement. You have the right to decline until you talk with a lawyer. You may also provide the adjuster with your lawyer’s contact information so that all further questions go through them.

What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Claims Adjuster After an Accident?

Some things to avoid saying to a claims adjuster after an accident include:

  • Admitting fault – Do not say you caused or contributed to the crash. You can say you don’t know for sure who caused the accident, if that’s true.
  • Speculating about injuries – Avoid guessing about your health or saying you feel fine. Remember that some injuries take time to appear and can have unexpected long-term consequences.
  • Providing unnecessary details – Stick to basic information about the crash. Details about speed, weather, or distractions could lead to problems.
  • Agreeing to provide a recorded statement – You have the right to decline until you speak to a car accident lawyer.
  • Discussing settlement offers – Do not agree to any payments until you understand the full extent of your injuries and other losses.

Should I Give the Insurance Claims Adjuster a Recorded Statement?

You do not have to give the insurance adjuster a recorded statement if they ask for one. Adjusters may use your words to limit or deny your claim, especially if you speak before knowing the full extent of your injuries, damaged property, or lost income. A recorded statement can also lock you into details that may change as more evidence comes to light. Before agreeing to anything on the record, talk with a lawyer so they can explain your rights and handle communication with the auto insurance company.

Should I Give the Insurance Claims Adjuster Copies of My Medical Records from the Accident?

You should not give the insurance adjuster direct access to your medical records. Adjusters often request complete medical files, which may include unrelated parts of your medical history that they can use against you. Instead, provide only the medical records that clearly relate to the accident and your claim. A car accident attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, can review what information is necessary, provide the insurance adjuster with the appropriate medical records, and protect your privacy.

Should I Accept the Initial Settlement Offer?

Approach an insurance company’s first settlement offer with caution. Insurers may start with an amount that does not fully cover your medical costs, lost income, or future expenses. Accepting too quickly can prevent you from seeking additional compensation once you know the accident’s full impact. Before you decide, review the offer carefully and consider whether it reflects all of your losses. A lawyer can assess the settlement and, if it’s deficient, can negotiate for a fair deal.

How Can a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Connecticut car accident attorney can help pursue compensation after a crash by:

  • Handling all communication with insurers – Your lawyer can deal with the adjusters on your behalf and prevent them from using your statements against you.
  • Investigating the accident – An attorney can gather police reports, witness accounts, surveillance footage, and other evidence to support your claim.
  • Reviewing medical records and expenses – Strong documentary support helps build a clear picture of your current and future medical treatment needs and medical costs.
  • Calculating the full value of your claim – Your lawyer can assess your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and long-term needs to help you pursue a fair settlement.
  • Challenging low settlement offers – An attorney will negotiate for an amount that reflects the complete extent of your injuries and other losses.
  • Representing you in court if necessary – If the insurance company refuses to settle fairly, your lawyer can present a strong case on your behalf in court.

Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, our Connecticut car accident lawyers have over 55 years of combined personal injury law experience. We know how to handle pushy insurance adjusters. We’ve recovered millions for our clients, and we’re proud of our stellar client reviews. We’ll handle all the legal work in your case and make the process as painless as possible so you can focus on healing. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.

For over three decades, William has dedicated his career to helping injury victims throughout Connecticut secure justice and accountability for injuries sustained at little to no fault of their own. In all cases, he places the best interest of his clients above all else. Describing the services we provide here at the firm, he explains, “We are fighters who work to ensure that our clients are informed and empowered so that we can achieve an outcome that provides peace of mind.”

After graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1989, he then earned his law degree in 1993 from the Western New England University School of Law. Since then, he has striven to make sure every client who steps into his office gets the high-quality representation and undivided attention they deserve. In recognition of his work, William has been listed in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.