Adjuster Tricks: Taking Statements
If you have been involved in a car accident, chances are that you have or will be contacted by the insurance claims adjuster the same day as the accident occurred or within 24 hours. Without proper legal representation from a Washington personal injury lawyer, the adjuster will use every trick possible to get you to settle your claim for a fraction of what your case is worth before you even have the chance to hire representation.
Insurance companies have one goal in mind, to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible, but in the quickest manner possible. Insurance companies evaluate their adjusters based on their “turn over” rate of insurance claims. The faster and cheaper the adjusters close claims, the more money the insurance companies will make. Therefore, the adjusters will do everything they can to persuade the claimant not to seek the legal representation of a Washington personal injury lawyer.
Cheap Tricks: “I’d like to take your statement”
The adjuster will use various ploys to convince the claimant into giving either a recorded or signed statement to gather the necessary facts he or she needs to settle your claim before you have a chance to hire a Washington personal injury lawyer.
Signed Statement
A signed statement will involve the adjustor asking various questions that are tailored and customized to the facts surrounding your individual case. The adjuster will write down the answers to the questions in the first-person (that is, from you perspective) as fast as he or she can. At the conclusion of the interview, the adjuster will ask you to briefly review the statement and make any necessary corrections before signing your name at the bottom of each page. The adjustor may also have a witness sign the statement.
Recorded Statement
A recorded statement involves the adjustor recording your statement taken with your permission. The adjustor may take your recorded statement either in person or by phone. The adjustor will then reduce the statement into a written summary based on memory or notes. These “summaries” are not a transcript taken by a disinterested court reporter. Out-of-court statements by a party to a lawsuit are not considered hearsay and are admissible. A statement taken down by an insurance adjuster may not be completely accurate.
Washington Personal Injury Lawyer
Once a Washington personal injury lawyer enters the picture, the adjustor’s job becomes a lot more difficult as the claim demand is brought in line with what it is truly worth. It will also be more difficult and more time consuming to take your recorded or signed statement because your Washington personal injury lawyer will need to be present during any communications with the adjustor.
As such, it is imperative that you retain the services of a Washington personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after you have been involved in an accident. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with Washington personal injury lawyer Travis Eller, please call 206-801-1188.