Dealing with an Adjuster
Many car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, and drunk driver accident victims make the mistake of viewing the adjuster as their friend and advocate, but this is not necessarily the case. An insurance adjuster's primary job is not to protect a victim's rights—it is to negotiate the lowest payment possible with the victim, which will save the insurance company money. This means that accident victims must know the law relating to their case and carry the burden of proving that they deserve compensation by providing
A qualified Florida motor vehicles injury attorney such as John Bales Attorneys
will work hard to collect evidence and build a case for full injury and damage compensation.
Immediately following an accident, you can help your accident lawyer build that
case. Of course, your first responsibility at the accident scene is to make sure
you and your family are safe and that all are receiving the medical treatment they
need. After this is achieved, you should try to accomplish the following, if possible:
- At the scene of the accident, identify witnesses and secure their contact information.
Ask them questions, and make notes about their responses.
- If an insurance adjuster comes to the scene of the accident, refrain from answering
questions or signing any forms. If possible, take pictures of all vehicles involved
in the accident.
- Make sure you and your family immediately obtain the medical treatment needed.
- As soon as possible, seek treatment from the doctor and other health care provider
of your choice. Do not allow the insurance company to choose your doctor. Report
all injuries, even those that seem minor. Sometimes an injury that does not initially
seem to be severe is a serious injury that can cause lifelong pain and suffering
So it is important to advise the doctor of all medical concerns. Take many pictures
of all bodily injuries, particularly wounds, bruises, any medical devices, and hospital
visits that are required. Remember, you need a record of all that you suffered to
allow others to know the seriousness of your injuries.
- Keep complete records of accident-related experiences and expenses. A written record
of details such as how you were feeling, sleep that you are missing, time you cannot
spend with your family, pain levels ranging from 1 to 10, receipts for prescriptions,
household services like cleaning or lawn mowing, mileage fro traveling for treatments,
car rentals, etc. These documents are valuable tools in presenting a personal injury
claim to an insurance adjuster, or to a judge and jury in court.
If you need an experienced advocate to help you receive the compensation you deserve,
contact a John Bales Attorneys Florida accident lawyer today. Complete a
FREE Online Consultation Form or call us toll free 1-800-CALL JOHN (1-800-225-5564)
24 hours, 7 days a week.