The insurance company contacts you through its claims adjuster, also called claims rep or claims handler or claims specialist. The adjuster typically works for the liability insurance company of the at-fault driver who hurt you. Oddly, in an underinsurance or uninsured claim, the adjuster actually works for your insurance company.
Regardless of who he works for, the adjuster’s primary goal is very simple—get the insurance company out of this as quick and cheap as possible.If you're worried about hurting your case, don't. Take the first simple step to get your questions answered by scheduling a free, no pressure strategy session with a Spartanburg, SC car and motorcycle accident attorney. Call toll free at 888-230-1841 or fill out a Get Help Now form.
The adjuster may be friendly, but he is not your friend. You must deal with him accordingly. So let's answer what you should REALLY be asking.
When Do I Need an Attorney for a South Carolina Car or Motorcyle Acccident?
If you're involved in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, you need to be aware of a looming threat the adjuster poses to your case through a factor that's got to be dealt with, so check out this article instead.
Here’s tips on whether you should speak to the adjuster now, or consider hiring an experienced car accident attorney to do it for you:
- If you have a simple claim—like you went to the ER and then a couple visits of physical therapy for a sore back—you may be able to handle the adjuster by yourself. Before you do that, get informed. Download our FREE BOOK on crash cases, and be sure to check out these typical tricks adjusters use and how to handle them.
- If you have serious injuries OR AREN'T SURE YET HOW EXTENSIVELY YOU'RE HURT [which is often the case], you're a prime candidate for the adjuster to beat you into a quick, cheap settlement. This situation includes:
- a broken bone,
- surgery,
- anything requiring a referral to a specialist like an orthopedist or neurosurgeon,
- signs of a brain injury- which might not develop until later.
Your case will be more complicated from a medical standpoint, so you've got to know how to protect your rights to present it the right way in court. It's also important for you to know the true value of your case, so you don't get cheated out of compensation you could really use. Unlike the adjuster, you have no idea of what your case is worth, which can be more complicated than you think. And the key to getting a proper out of court settlement can often be showing the adjuster you're ready for court, with a convincing evidence package to prove it.
You owe it to yourself and your family to get your own professional on your side: an experienced car accident attorney. You need to focus on recovery and not worry about having your rights violated, or responding to repeated demands for information, or waiting for the adjuster to call you back.
- If you are unsure how seriously you are hurt, you risk torpedoing your claim by giving uncertain information to the adjuster. Like trying to be tough, telling him you feel okay, only to discover later you actually need a spinal operation. Yep, that’s happened.
Final analysis: If you are seriously hurt, unsure how your medical treatment will turn out, or unsure how to do deal with the adjuster, then don’t immediately talk to the adjuster.
Remember: information is power, especially when you’re dealing with an experienced professional who’s handled potentially thousands of claims and is skilled at shortchanging injury victims like you. Talking to an experienced car accident lawyer first is in your best interest. If you tell the adjuster, he'll object- here's why and how to counteract it.
Contact A Spartanburg Car Accident Attorney To Get Informed
At Holland & Usry, we help people like you. We're car and motorcycle accident attorneys in Spartanburg, South Carolina who protect victims' rights in the surrounding area. Contact us with a live chat or email to answer your questions, or even set up a free, easy strategy session to discuss your claim and evaluate every possible insurance policy that could provide money to help you. Even if we don’t accept your case or you decide not to hire us, it might give you peace of mind and some free pointers.
