If you have recently experienced a car accident, one of the first things you likely did was report the accident to your insurance company. After all, the insurance company works for you, right?

While this is partially true – insurance companies exist to ensure you are able to receive compensation for property damages and injuries as the result of a car accident – you are not the only interest protected by the company.

Insurance Companies Protect Themselves and Their Shareholders

It is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. After all, the less payout to insurers, the better for their bottom line. Insurance companies receive backing from a number of stakeholders. The company stands to benefit from saving stakeholder money rather than awarding you a large settlement.

Some insurance companies do their best to convince you to take a quick, low settlement, in the hopes that you will settle for less to receive compensation quickly. In addition, quick settlements often fail to account for all the medical and property expenses you need to shoulder after an accident. If you settle too quickly, you could be giving up a major portion of a fair settlement.

What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters exist to determine how much each insurance company should pay towards your losses. However, it is important to be careful what you say to the adjuster. What you say could be twisted to accepting fault or a too-low settlement. Avoid saying these things to the adjuster.

Do not give too many personal details

You can tell the adjuster your name, address and phone number, as well as your place of employment. You do not need to discuss your wages or work schedule.

Do not give accident details

Do not feel pressured to give a statement regarding the accident. Instead, give the date, time, and location, and type of accident, and say that the rest is still under investigation at this time.

Do not accept fault

Even if the accident was your fault, you are under no legal obligation to say so.

Do not give details regarding your injuries

If you give a description of your injuries at this time, you may not be able to include any injuries you discover later or have forgotten about. Do not discuss your injuries until you have the opportunity to make a comprehensive list.

Do not agree to a settlement

If you agree to a settlement in the first phone call, you do so without knowing the extent of your injuries and damage and may be falling short of your possible compensation.

Do not give a recorded statement

Regardless of the question, you do not need to give a recorded statement regarding the accident. Verbal statements often fail to include important details of the accident. You are better off giving a detailed written statement at a later date.

What to Say to an Insurance Adjuster

Remain polite

Even if you are under stress as the result of the accident or from the insurance company’s conversation, it is essential that you remain calm and polite. Do not give the insurance company a reason to believe you may accept a lower settlement.

Ask for the adjuster’s information

It is important to know which insurance company you are dealing with, as well as the name and extension number of the adjuster for future reference.

Tell the adjuster you will provide details in writing

Let the adjuster know you do not plan to continue to speak by phone until you have accurately recorded all the pertinent information in written form. Until then, stick to the most basic information.

If you follow these tips, you can avoid insurance companies pushing you into a low, early settlement, and can retain your right to gather your information and pursue your claim at your leisure. If the insurance company seems predatory, it is often best to speak with a WV car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the process. Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation.

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

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    - NOAH SCHUMAKER

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

  • Taylor and Kelly worked hard on my case so I didn’t have to. Thanks guys!

    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

    - JOSEPH SAUNDERS

  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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