Dealing with Third Party Claim Adjusters after Accidents

After you are involved in an accident with other drivers and they are at fault you may need to be careful who to speak to and what to say.  A third party claim adjuster may contact you before you have the time to think about what has happened. You need to be prepared for these calls. First thing you must do is to ascertain who you are talking to before divulging any information

If they are working for the insurers of at fault third party driver you should be extra careful. Remember that they may sound very concerned with your injuries and damages caused to your vehicle. Nonetheless, they do not work for you, exactly the opposite. They work for the other side. They will try to reduce liability for their clients.

It is understandable that they will try to find out about possible liabilities they are facing. However, they may play tricks on you. They may record the conversation you are having and they may use it against you. For example, you would automatically answer I am fine if someone asks you how are you. They may record this down as there is nothing physically wrong with you following an accident.

Suddenly, you are in a position to have to explain yourself. Here are a few points to keep in mind when you get contacted by adjusters.

1. Never confirm that you are fine

The extent of injuries may be known several days later. With the adrenaline caused by the accident you may feel fine. Couple of days later you start feeling the pain. Now you have to go back and explain how this injury is related to the accident if you have already confirmed that you are fine.

2. Keep explanations simple

Give simple answers to the questions. Do not go into details and give them more than they wanted. If you feel you are being cornered you can ask them to talk to your insurer or even say that you want to get a lawyer and have a private check-up before answering them. They are much more experienced in dealing with these situations and you are entitled to ask your insurer, broker, doctor or lawyer before you like to answer them.

3. Do not discuss medical conditions at all

You can answer them saying you will get them the report once they have it. If they want to examine you give them an appointment for several days later. This allows you time to consult your situation with experts and learn the extent of injuries.

4. Do not sign anything

Do not allow any authorizations to check your medical file. If they need, they can contact your doctor and your doctor contacts you. They can also have their own checks. They may be keen to wrap things up. If they are offering you any settlement you should tell them that you will think about it.

You do not have to explain anything at this stage and you do not have to solve it within one. Take your time. If you feel the injuries are substantial and they are pressuring you it may be worth talking to a lawyer. There are many people who can help you including your own car insurance company, broker, agent and doctor. Those are the people you should discuss first.