What to do When the Insurance Company Calls After a Motorcycle Accident |
Posted: December 4, 2018 |
Dealing With Insurance After a Motorcycle Accident Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that motorcyclists are six times more likely to sustain injuries during a traffic accident than car drivers. This means if you have recently been in a motorcycle accident, you are probably also dealing with medical bills and extended time off from work. The last thing you need is to have your insurance claim derailed by an insurance claims adjuster. So, what should you do when that call from the insurance company comes? Here are a few suggestions. Do Not Get Too Comfortable with Insurance Companies Keep in mind that the claims adjuster is not on your side—not even if he or she works for your own insurance company. The role of an insurance adjuster is to minimize the payout and protect the company’s interests. The insurance adjuster may even seek ways to deny your claim altogether. Most adjusters begin with small talk and simple questions to make you feel comfortable. They will then begin more complex interrogations, waiting for you to say something they can manipulate to help justify limiting or denying a claim. As such, you should prepare for your interview by:
When speaking with the adjuster:
Ask Insurance Adjuster About Fault Ideally, your agent should tell you that the company will review the facts and then make a determination—that is, unless the circumstances make it obvious which party caused the accident. However, many adjusters already have a negative view of motorcycle riders and come with a preconceived notion that they are to blame—even before an investigation has taken place. Near the end of your interview, if there is any ambiguity, ask directly who the adjuster believes is at fault. If the adjuster answers that you are the party totally or partially at fault, ask on what specific grounds the adjuster bases this view. Having this information will help you and your lawyer plan how to respond. Beware Quick Settlement Offers From Insurance Companies Motorcycle accidents are more costly than others due to the high likelihood of injuries. Therefore, insurance adjusters are often eager to settle them for as little money as possible. The problem is that the full extent of your injuries may not yet be apparent. In addition, the stress and trauma recovering from a motorcycle accident, particularly in the days immediately following the accident, can cloud your thinking and cause you to make poor, ill-informed decisions. For that reason, avoid accepting any initial insurance settlement offers until you have had time to completely assess your situation and speak with an attorney. Do not let emotion or your worries about medical bills get the best of you. Any offer an insurance adjuster makes quickly is probably a low-ball one. Say No to Insurance Adjusters Asking for Voice Recordings Florida is a two-party consent state, which means that both parties must consent to recording. Some insurance companies try to get around this by telling you that they must record the interview and cannot proceed without it. Unless you waive your rights, they cannot move forward with the claim. Most people feel hamstrung at this point and give in. The purpose of recording is so that representatives can replay the tape over and over looking for words that might disqualify your claim. They might also compare the tape against any depositions you give later or even your court testimony. None of this will work in your favor, so it is best to just forego the recording in the first place. Defer your interview until you’ve contacted an attorney for advice on how to proceed. My Claims Adjuster Won’t Cooperate—Now What? If any part of the process of dealing with an insurance adjuster after a motorcycle accident feels intimidating or overwhelming, you may find it helpful to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. We may be able to help. Contact the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA’s Clearwater office online today or call us at (727) 451-6900 to schedule a free consultation.
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