The last thing you should worry about after a trucking accident is dealing with a difficult insurance company representative. Unfortunately, it is often not in the insurance company’s interest to pay the entirety of your claim without an argument. This is precisely why those injured in trucking accidents should obtain legal representation as soon as possible after such an unfortunate collision.
At Jones Law Partners, we understand the emotional and financial toll a trucking accident can take on you and your loved ones. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to standing by your side, protecting your rights, and fighting tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for an injury caused by someone’s negligence.
How to Interact With an Insurance Adjuster in Louisiana After the Accident
The worst thing you can do after a trucking accident is to admit any degree of fault. Do not apologize to any of the following individuals:
- Truck driver
- Other drivers
- The police officer
- The insurance company representative
Even the slightest admission of guilt could jeopardize your case. If you are not thinking clearly or are concerned a slip of the tongue will harm your quest for justice, refer the insurance company representative to our trucking accident attorney at Jones Law Partners. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys will work with you and speak strategically on your behalf, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation.
What To Do and Not Do When Confronted by an Insurance Company in Louisiana
Navigating interactions with insurance companies after a trucking accident can be daunting. Knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and ensuring a fair settlement. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind, especially when insurance representatives are being difficult during the investigation process of your trucking accident case:
Do’s
1. Establish Boundaries From the Start
It is in your interest to set boundaries as soon as you start the conversation with the insurance adjuster. Keep the following in mind:
- Limit Personal Information: You are not obligated to answer questions about your line of work, salary, work schedule, or other personal information beyond your name and contact details.
- Minimize Interaction: Provide as little information as possible and make it clear that you will not answer repeated phone calls. Without clear boundaries, the insurance adjuster will likely call you several times after the initial conversation to try to settle your claim for significantly less than its true value.
2. Be Civil and Courteous With the Insurance Adjuster
While it may be frustrating to deal with an insurance adjuster, it is important to remain calm and courteous:
- Stay Kind and Polite: Do not take out your anger on the insurance adjuster. Although the adjuster might not believe your side of the story, it is no excuse to be rude or unkind. A friendly and courteous approach increases the likelihood that the adjuster will be sympathetic to your situation, believe your side of the story, and possibly even expedite your claim.
- Avoid Hostility: If you are contentious with the insurance representative, they may retaliate by delaying the processing of your claim, challenging every statement you make, and making negative notes in your file for other representatives to see.
The way you treat the insurance company representative can significantly impact your claim and the chances of receiving a favorable payout.
Don’ts
1. Do Not Consent to a Recorded Conversation
If the insurance company representative asks if you are willing to provide permission to record the phone conversation, it is best to decline. Consider the following:
- Decline Recording Requests: Politely refuse to have your conversation recorded. If the representative insists that there is no option to engage in an unrecorded phone conversation, it is in your best interest to hand this matter over to our personal injury attorneys.
- Avoid Missteps: Even the slightest verbal mistake in a recorded conversation can jeopardize your claim and reduce your chances of obtaining the necessary payout.
Another common pitfall with recorded conversations following trucking accidents is that it is human nature to freeze up or verbally stumble simply because of the fact that every single word is being recorded. If you misstate the truth, it will be challenging to alter your statement or add to your statement down the line.
Hence, it is always best to consult first with your trusted attorney before engaging into a conversation with any insurance representative.
2. Do Not Answer Questions About Your Injuries
The insurance adjuster will likely ask about your injuries, but it is best to refrain from answering these questions.
If you answer questions about your injuries, you risk leaving out critical information or providing an incomplete picture. Additionally, your injuries might worsen over time, or you may discover new injuries later. For example, latent injuries like whiplash may not manifest until days after the accident.
Contact Our Alexandria, Louisiana Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
Dealing with insurance companies after a trucking accident can be stressful and complex, but we are here to guide you every step of the way. At Jones Law Partners, our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of successfully advocating for clients like you.
Contact us today at 318-442-1515 for a consultation, and let us put our experience and dedication to work for you, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
