When a car accident disrupts your life in Tennessee, insurance adjusters often contact you within days or even hours. While they may seem friendly and helpful, these adjusters work for insurance companies, not for you, and their primary goal is to protect their employers’ interests.
Knowing how to interact with an insurance representative can help protect your legal rights and maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Speaking with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville before dealing with insurance adjusters can help safeguard your rights and prevent costly mistakes.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters frequently request recorded statements shortly after an accident. While they may present this as a routine procedure, these recordings can severely damage your claim.
Your responses may contain inconsistencies or statements that could be misinterpreted as admissions of fault. The company may use these statements against you to deny or reduce your compensation.
You have no legal obligation to provide recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company. Decline to give recorded statements until you have consulted with a lawyer.
Be Cautious About Early Settlement Offers
When medical bills start piling up and you cannot work due to your injuries, a quick settlement offer can be very attractive. However, these offers are often far less than your claim’s true value.
Many accident-related injuries develop or worsen over time, and accepting an early settlement waives your right to seek additional compensation for future medical expenses or complications. Never accept the first settlement—instead, speak with an attorney who can help calculate the full value of your damages.
Stick to the Facts and Limit What You Say
When communicating with insurance adjusters, provide only basic factual information about the accident. Avoid discussing fault, speculating about what happened, or making statements about your injuries. Never apologize for the accident, as adjusters may interpret this as an admission of fault. If you are unsure about how to answer a question, defer to your lawyer.
Do Not Give Full Authorization for Your Medical Records
Insurance companies often request blanket access to your medical history. This broad authorization allows them to scrutinize your past medical records for pre-existing conditions they can use to deny or devalue your claim. Never give full authorization; instead, provide only records directly related to your accident.
Keep Records of All Your Communications
Document every interaction with insurance adjusters. Save all emails, letters, and text messages. Note the date, time, and content of phone calls. Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates, and any accident-related expenses. This documentation creates a clear record of your claim’s progress and can protect you from potential disputes.
Speak to a Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
If you plan on pursuing a car insurance claim, it is important to hire a lawyer who can level the playing field. Your attorney will understand the company’s strategies and know how to counter them—all while protecting your rights and fighting for maximum compensation.
Do not let insurance adjusters minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto can protect your rights and shield you from aggressive insurance tactics.
Contact us today at (865) 691-2777 and let our attorneys put their knowledge to work for you.