Blog

Why Should I Talk to an Injury Lawyer Before the Insurance Adjuster?

Posted on behalf of James Lynch on June 12, 2020  in Personal Injury News. Updated on February 24, 2022

man-meeting-with-lawyer-laptopIf you or someone you love was injured in an accident, it is important to speak to a qualified injury lawyer before communicating with the insurance companies. Having legal representation on your side could make a significant difference in whether you are able to secure a fair settlement for your claim.

Below, our lawyers at Lynch Law Firm, PC provide some helpful advice about why you should refrain from saying anything to an insurance adjuster until legal help is sought. We are prepared to discuss your situation in a free case review. We charge zero fees upfront and only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Steps to Take After Sustaining an Injury

The first thing you should do after sustaining an injury is get examined by a health care professional. If you were injured in a car accident it is important to report it to the local police. If the injury occurred at work, you should immediately notify your employer.

If you wait too long to report your injury or visit a health care professional, it could hurt the value of your claim. Insurance companies could use this as a reason for devaluing or denying your claim. While it is important to notify your insurer about the injury, you should only give them basic information such as when and where the accident occurred, and do not provide a written or recorded statement.

Instead, let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance adjusters and lawyers from the other side. If you make a mistake with your statements, it could cost you significant compensation. The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at our firm know what to say, and what not to say, when it comes to maintaining the value of an injury claim.

Common Tactics Used by Insurers

Insurance adjusters are known for using what is known as “bad faith tactics” to try to find a reason for devaluing or denying injury claims. It is important to learn these tactics so you do not get caught off-guard, should you find yourself in one of these situations.

One prime tactic insurance adjusters often use is contacting the injured party immediately after the accident. The reason why they do this is because they want to get you to say or do something that may hurt your claim, before you get to speak to an attorney and learn your rights. They may seem friendly and helpful and may even try to convince you that hiring an attorney is unnecessary. However, this is not good advice if you plan to pursue full compensation for your injury and damages.

Another tactic insurance adjusters may try to use is getting you to provide a written or recorded statement. However, you are not required by law to do this. Simply tell them that your attorney will be contacting them to answer any questions they may have.

Insurers could also use social media to track you and the status of your injury. For example, if you suffered a broken leg in an accident and post something online saying that you feel great and are seen running around in a video, it could be used against you. The insurer could say that your injuries are not severe, therefore, your injury claim may be devalued or denied.

Call a Legal Professional Before Speaking to Insurers

Determining the value of your injury claim can be difficult without the help of a legal professional. An experienced lawyer will know how to properly investigate the cause of the accident, your medical diagnosis and the insurance policies involved.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation allowed under the law to help victims of negligence. Call our firm today to schedule your no cost consultation. You are under no obligation to commit to our services and we do not charge fees unless we help you win.

There is no risk in calling us at (800) 518-0508 today.

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Trusted By:

  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
  • trusted by sponsors
*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.