If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the at-fault party’s insurance company. This may seem like a routine step in the claims process. However, speaking with an adjuster can present serious risks for your personal injury claim.
Here’s what you need to know about whether you should speak with the insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident.
Contact our Boise motorcycle accident lawyer at Mountain States Injury Law for more info. Call (888) 845-8745 today.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Role in the Claims Process
Insurance adjusters play a major role in injury claims. Specifically, they are responsible for investigating the cause of your accident, requesting documentation and analyzing medical records to determine whether the insurance company is liable for your damages.
The insurance adjuster also makes a determination about the severity of your motorcycle accident injuries and the extent of your financial and emotional losses. They will ultimately assign a value to your claim based on their investigation.
Idaho law requires insurance adjusters (independent and those working for an insurer) to maintain a license. That an adjuster has a license doesn’t mean that your settlement offer will be legitimate.
Risks of Speaking With An Insurance Adjuster After a Motorcycle Crash in Boise
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not you. They are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. Their goal is to minimize the liability of the insurance company by gathering information that could potentially reduce or deny your claim.
For instance, they may ask for recorded statements about the accident and ask misleading questions designed to elicit answers they can use against you later. Likewise, they may ask you to sign a medical records release and scrutinize your medical history for preexisting injuries they use to downplay the severity of your current injuries.
Other risks of speaking with an insurance adjuster are:
- Pressure to Accept Early Settlement Offers – Accepting a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries can prevent you from pursuing additional compensation later.
- Unintentional Admissions – You may inadvertently say something that the adjuster can use to reduce your compensation or deny your claim.
- Misrepresentation of Your Injuries – Adjusters may attempt to get you to downplay your injuries, which can impact your compensation.
Adjusters may also try to blame you for the collision to reduce your compensation under Idaho comparative fault laws. If they can show you are 50% or more responsible, they may refuse to offer a settlement.
How to Respond to an Insurance Adjuster
Speaking with an insurance adjuster can negatively impact the value of your motorcycle accident claim. Fortunately, you can take certain steps to protect your rights and claim value.
- Refer the Adjuster to Your Attorney – Direct all communication to your attorney.
- Avoid Providing a Recorded Statement – You are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance adjuster. Politely decline until you have consulted with your attorney.
- Keep Conversations Brief – If you choose to speak with the adjuster, keep your responses brief and factual. Avoid discussing fault or the severity of your injuries.
- Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer – The initial offer from the insurance company is often much lower than what you may be entitled to.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer can be a great asset during the insurance claims process. Your lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that you do not do or say anything that could harm your claim.
How Mountain States Injury Law Can Help
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a motorcycle accident can be intimidating and overwhelming. At Mountain States Injury Law, our experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Boise, Dale G. Casares, can handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies.
We will protect your rights and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact Mountain States Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us handle the insurance adjuster while you focus on your recovery.