Filing an insurance claim is your first step to seeking compensation as the victim of a Virginia Beach car accident, so a conversation with an adjuster is usually inevitable. However, don’t be fooled by the friendly, seemingly helpful voice on the other end of your phone call. Despite any assurances, this insurance company employee doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Adjusters are trained to find reasons to deny your claim, and they’ll use your words against you as necessary to achieve this goal. Instead of putting your rights at risk, retain a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. You’ll avoid accidentally uttering one of these five things you should never say to an insurance adjuster.

1. I might have been partly at fault in causing the accident.

   You should never admit, imply, or even suggest that you might be responsible for the crash. Virginia follows the rule of contributory negligence, which puts the focus on your own conduct in a personal injury case. If you were at fault, even slightly, the claims adjuster will deny your claim and refuse payment.

2. I wasn’t hurt all that badly.

   The nature and extent of your injuries serve as the basis for a large portion of your recovery, so you’re giving the adjuster grounds to reduce a potential settlement amount. Plus, unless you’re a health care provider, you shouldn’t be offering your layperson opinion on your injuries.

3. Yes, I’ll agree to make a recorded or written statement.

   You should never allow your words to be recorded about your accident, especially with the insurance company.  If you make mistakes #1 and #2 above, the insurance company now has this information in evidentiary form. Everything you say and can be used against you. Remember, their job is to pay you less, not more.

4. Please send payment and I’ll sign this release.

   It’s understandable that you want to get paid quickly, but you should first understand the legal effect of a release. When you sign, you’re stating that your matter is resolved and you’ll never seek additional amounts for your claim. You shouldn’t execute a release before you know the full implications of your injuries and the losses you’ll suffer because of them.

5. I’m representing myself in this accident claim.

   You won’t have the opportunity to make this statement because you should already have legal counsel to act on your behalf in discussions with the insurance company. Your attorney will advocate for you, so you won’t have to worry about making any of the above mistakes. You’re in a better position to receive the compensation you deserve when you have a lawyer to fight for your rights.

Trust Breit Law, Your Accident Attorney, to Deal with the Insurance Company

Don’t put your rights at risk by trying to handle an insurance claim on your own. Our team at Breit Law will tackle the legal challenges, so you can focus on healing. Please contact our offices in Virginia Beach to schedule a case assessment. We we serve accident victims in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach as well as the entire Hampton Roads community.  We can provide more information on the process once we review your circumstances.