You’ve just been in a car accident and now have to deal with getting your car fixed and figuring out who pays for it all. That means you’ll probably have to talk to an insurance adjuster. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be stressful. With some preparation and the know-how of a Georgia car accident lawyer, you can handle the insurance adjuster like a pro.
This article will walk you through what to expect and give you tips to make the claims process smooth sailing.
Preparing for the Initial Call From the Adjuster
When the insurance adjuster calls you for the first time after an accident, it’s important to be ready. Make sure you know the details of the accident, like the date, time, location, and events. Review the police report and any witness information you have.
Be prepared to provide specifics about any injuries or vehicle damage. The more details you can give, the less chance of confusion. Do your best to remain calm and composed. Respond to their questions directly and honestly without getting emotional. Getting angry or argumentative will only make the situation worse.
Providing a Clear Accident Description
When the insurance adjuster calls to get your statement, be ready to provide a detailed description of what happened. Walk them through the events leading up to the accident, give specifics about the vehicles and people involved, and don’t leave anything out.
Be very specific when explaining the accident sequence. For example, say, “The other driver switched into my lane without signaling and hit my front passenger side bumper,” rather than just “The other driver hit me.”
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim
After an accident, the insurance adjuster’s job is to determine who’s at fault and assess the damages. To ensure you get fair compensation, gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
Photos and Video of the Accident Scene
Take photos of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle from multiple angles, capturing license plate numbers if possible. Get shots of skid marks, debris, and any damage to surrounding property.
Police and Medical Reports
Request copies of the official police report and any medical reports from emergency responders on the scene. The police report will contain details about the cause of the accident and statements from drivers and witnesses.
Witness Statements
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their full names and contact information. Ask them to provide a written statement about what they observed.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement Offer
After a car accident, the insurance adjuster’s job is to get you to accept the lowest reasonable settlement. Your job is to make sure that settlement is truly fair. Don’t feel pressured to take the first offer. Negotiate from a position of strength by knowing your rights and staying calm.
Learn the true value of your totaled vehicle and understand the costs of your medical care. Check vehicle valuation guides like Kelley Blue Book to determine a fair price range for a comparable vehicle. Gather records of all medical expenses related to your injuries.
Dealing With Low-Ball Offers or Denials
When an insurance company makes you a low offer to settle your claim or denies it altogether, don’t panic. This is often just a negotiating tactic to get you to accept less than you deserve. Stay calm, and remember, you have rights and options.
The adjuster’s initial offer is usually far below the true value of your claim. They’re hoping you’ll be eager to settle quickly. Don’t fall for it. Do some research on your own to determine a fair settlement amount for your vehicle and injuries.
Hire a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
In the event of a car accident, you’ll need to contact your insurance company to talk with an insurance adjuster and file a claim. But before talking to them, consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to handle the communication. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims.
1Georgia Injury Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience helping car accident victims in Georgia get fair compensation for their claims. Call us today at 678-635-9939 for a free consultation.
