Stephen J. Zielinski, personal injury lawyer, explains why it’s important to have an experienced professional by your side when dealing with the insurance company after a car accident.
Don’t talk to the insurance adjuster on your own!
Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience, but the aftermath of the incident can be just as stressful. After the accident, you might receive a call from the insurance adjuster who will want to know more about the incident. While it may seem harmless to answer their questions, it is essential to understand the risks involved in doing so. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of not talking to an insurance adjuster on your own, as emphasized by Stephen Zeliensky, of counsel to Herbert Lawrence’s law office in New Jersey, during an interview with Michael Levites from Jurisq.com.
Stephen’s Experience as an Insurance Adjuster
Stephen began by sharing his experience working as an insurance adjuster before becoming a personal injury attorney. He revealed that he quit his job because he didn’t like the way things were happening. He would gather all the information on the scene of the accident and turn it back to the insurance company. Stephen witnessed many cases where the injured person agreed to settle the claim too soon, which led to disastrous financial outcomes. He explained that insurance adjusters are trained to get as much information from the injured person and witnesses as possible, which can be harmful if the person does not have legal representation.
What Can Happen if You Talk to an Insurance Adjuster on Your Own?
Stephen stated that the insurance adjuster’s primary goal is to gather all the information they can and get it back to the claims office to evaluate the claim and settle the case as soon as possible. However, this may not be in the best interest of the injured person. If you settle the claim too soon, it could be financially disastrous for you. The insurance adjuster will also record everything you say and transcribe it into a document called a transcript, which stays with the claim as long as it is open. If you say something that may hurt your claim down the road, it could be detrimental to your case.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Stephen stressed the importance of contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. Once you hire an attorney, the insurance
company is not allowed to talk to you directly, and all communication must go through the attorney. Attorneys know what is going on, and they are very cautious about what they tell their clients. They advise their clients not to discuss their case with anybody because that may result in a trial. Speaking with an adjuster or any person you don’t know, who may call you on the phone to get a statement, could be risky if you haven’t spoken to an attorney or hired one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting into a car accident is a stressful experience that can leave you overwhelmed and confused. It is essential to understand that talking to an insurance adjuster on your own can be risky and may lead to disastrous financial outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Remember, don’t talk to an insurance adjuster on your own!