Why Should You Avoid Talking to Third-Party Insurance Adjusters Without an Attorney?

When you are involved in an accident caused by a negligent party, whether they were speeding, texting, driving under the influence, or something else, you should obtain their insurance information and you may be able to file a claim as per California’s at-fault laws. However, before you submit a claim or speak to third-party insurance adjusters, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. If you are unsure why it is recommended to reach out to our Irvine car accident lawyers before speaking with insurance, you will want to keep reading, as the following blog explores the dangers of speaking with insurance adjusters while you are unrepresented.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Do?

First and foremost, it is important to understand what a third-party insurance adjuster, generally the adjuster representing the at-fault party/defendant, does during an accident. Third-party insurance is essentially a form of liability insurance that is required in most states, including California. This type of insurance works to cover the damages caused by a policyholder. For example, if you are involved in an accident because you were driving recklessly, the other driver would file a claim with your liability insurance to recover compensation for the damages you caused.

When a claim is submitted, it will be reviewed by an insurance adjuster. While this may seem like a neutral entity designed to help drivers and policyholders, they are actually employees of the insurance company. As such, their main objective is to save the insurance company as much money as possible, even if it means manipulating your claim to reduce the value.

Why Do I Need an Attorney Before Speaking With the Adjuster?

As such, if you are involved in an accident due to the negligent actions of another driver and you file a claim through their third-party liability insurance to cover the cost of your medical bills and property damage, ensuring you have legal representation present in any conversations with the claims agent is critical.

Many insurance adjusters will contact you as quickly as possible because they will assume you have not yet contacted an attorney, which is another tactic used to twist your statements and trick you into making inaccurate admissions to hold against you. In fact, many adjusters will seem kind and helpful at first, claiming they can handle your claim more effectively and for less money than an attorney. However, you should note that without an attorney to represent you during these matters, you run the risk of potentially receiving far less than you would otherwise have recovered with proper legal representation.

Additionally, adjusters will often offer injured parties significantly less than the value of their claim as they know many victims are in difficult financial positions and are likely falling into debt as they are recovering from their injuries. These adjusters know they can prey upon those in desperate need of financial assistance and they take advantage. Unfortunately, this predatory tactic may only work as a temporary solution, since your medical bills may continue to pile up as a result of ongoing treatment. In addition, an attorney can help you fight for non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.

When you are hurt, working with an experienced attorney with California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, is in your best interest. Our team will fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more.