You were involved in a car accident in Connecticut. An adjuster representing the insurance company of the other driver calls you. He or she wants information from you.
Think of the insurance adjuster as of detective for the insurance company. They are trained in eliciting information from you which, even though it seems harmless at the time, can significantly affect the settlement of your claim.
Connecticut automobile/car accident cases consist of two important yet distinct issues:
- Liability (who is at fault or what event caused the accident), and
- Damages (what are your injuries and property damage as a direct result of the accident)
As to liability – the adjuster will attempt to “pin” the cause of the accident on you if at all possible. This is true even if the police issued a ticket to the other driver or gave them a verbal warning. If the adjuster concludes that you are at fault (or partially at fault) your case will come to a screeching halt. Any money which you may have been entitled to will either be greatly reduced or no money may be offered to you at all.
As to your damages – the adjuster will ask questions designed to gather information to determine the severity of your injuries. Your answers may minimize or altogether eliminate compensation for your injuries at the settlement stage. The adjuster will ask: When did you first receive medical treatment? From whom? Are you still treating? Have you lost time from work? How has the accident affected you day to day?
The adjuster may also request that you execute medical releases or authorizations allowing the adjuster to gather your medical information. Ordinarily you should not sign these releases until an attorney has had an opportunity to review them since they are often overbroad and allow the adjuster access to otherwise confidential information.
Typically, the best approach when an adjuster calls is to simply get their name, contact information and the claim number. Then politely advise the adjuster that once you are in a position to discuss settlement you or your attorney will contact them.
Please email me or call (203) 259-5251 if you having questions about dealing with an insurance adjuster.