If you were hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may seek compensation from the other motorists who were involved. Because Georgia is an at-fault state, those who cause wrecks are ultimately responsible for the damages that result. Generally speaking, though, injured parties don’t seek funds from the liable driver directly. Instead, they file a third-party claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurer. If this is the situation you’re in, an adjuster will soon be in touch with you. Here’s how to handle the conversation in a way that won’t threaten your claim.

3 Tips on Dealing With Insurance Adjusters 

1. Don’t Speculate on What Happened 

Discussing what happened might seem perfectly reasonable, but your answer could end up hurting your chances of recovering a fair payout. Instead of telling your version of events, let your legal team conduct a thorough investigation and then share their findings. This will prevent you from implicating yourself inadvertently.

If you were to share what you remember, the claims adjuster would simply look for any opportunity to shift fault onto you. Mentioning something as innocuous as changing the route on your phone’s navigation app could lead to accusations of distracted driving. 

2. Avoid Giving a Premature Recorded Statement 

The insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into providing a recorded statement. They may even claim that the sooner you do so, the sooner they can cut you a check.

If you supply a statement before reaching maximum medical improvement, though, you’ll essentially “lock in” the total damages. That means if you suffer additional complications later, they won’t cover the associated losses.  

3. Stay Off Social Media 

If you can’t disable your social media accounts while your claim is pending, change their privacy settings so only approved connections can see what you publish. Additionally, avoid posting about the accident, your recovery, your expenditures, or your social life. It’s not uncommon for insurers to monitor a claimant’s online activity and to misconstrue what they post as a reason to challenge their case. 

If you were hurt in a car accident, turn to Goddard & Hammontree LLC for help dealing with the insurance adjuster. Their seasoned team will handle all correspondence with the opposing party so you can focus on your recovery with a minimal amount of stress. Practicing out of Dalton, GA, they’re backed by more than 60 years of experience in the legal field. To request a consultation, reach out on their website or call (706) 278-0464.