Most people never think they will be involved in a car wreck in Charleston or anywhere else. The fact of the matter is that when you are involved in a car wreck, whether it’s your fault or not, you become upset and may not think clearly. Unethical insurance adjusters are well aware of this fact and will try to push you into making the wrong choices or settling out of court. Basically, they will try to take advantage of your unsettled and worried state of mind.
There are seemingly tons of paperwork involved when you are dealing with the consequences of a vehicle accident. From medical treatment forms, police reports, and auto insurance forms that can all be confusing. That is why you should seek legal advice from an attorney experienced in dealing with car wreck cases in Charleston. Most insurance adjustors will try to find a way to deny any claims you file for compensation. That is their job. They are trained to make you feel uncomfortable and to basically make you go away.
If you have been in an accident, you may get a call from an insurance adjustor telling you that you’re required to give a recorded statement. Please be aware that this statement could be used against you in future negotiations. The adjuster will most likely tell you that it is in your best interest to make this recorded statement, but that is not true as these are often done under duress. The questioning for these statements are often done by the adjustor or the insurance company’s attorney and it is their job to try and trip you up or change your story. If you are upset or under duress, you may not recall all the correct details of your accident and the insurance firm attorney can use that against you at a future date. If you do retain an experienced attorney, you can tell the insurance company that they should speak to your attorney instead.
The insurance adjustor may tell you that you are wasting your time hiring a lawyer and that all your settlement money will be taken by legal fees. The reason the adjustor will tell you this is probably because they are trying to save their company a lot of money and are hoping that they do not have to pay any settlement. Most adjustors know that attorneys who specialize in car wrecks tend to get their clients larger settlements and most attorneys offer free case evaluations. But be sure you hire a reputable law firm. The adjustors are also likely to try and offer to pay your medical bills and other expenses. These are usually false promises and you should not fall for this trick. Never sign any type of document presented to you by an auto insurance adjuster. Give it to your attorney first for their review.
