Do I Need a Lawyer Before Talking to a Claims Adjuster?

personal-injury-lawyers

Do I Need a Lawyer Before Talking to a Claims Adjuster?

Car Accident Info

Make Rutter Mills Your First Call

When processing a claim for auto accident injuries and damages, an insurance claims adjuster will want detailed information about how the collision happened, the extent of property damage, and if any occupants were hurt.

If you are contacted by an agent from your own insurance company, you may be contractually obliged to provide basic information about the crash. This would include the location, weather, road conditions, and timing of the accident. However, that is the full extent of your responsibility.

Limit conversations that can derail your claim

It’s not advisable to tell a claims adjustor how the collision occurred or whether you were injured without speaking to a car accident lawyer first. In addition, you have no legal obligation to talk to a claims adjustor representing the other driver.

It doesn’t matter if you are talking with your insurance provider or that of the other motorist; your words can be twisted, misconstrued, and used to minimize the value of a claim. That is why letting your legal counsel handle all communications is smarter. They understand the big picture and anticipate the tactics used by adjusters to settle claims for the bare minimum.

Once you have legal representation, tell the adjuster that they contact your attorney directly. From that point forward, your lawyer will protect your interests.

It’s worth noting that car wreck victims who opt to represent themselves may inadvertently make mistakes along the way. They may consent to be recorded, which could allow adjusters to create a false narrative about what happened. The result is a less than favorable settlement, or in some cases, no money.

Contact us at Rutter Mills for a free case evaluation

It’s critical to be truthful when approached by a claims adjustor, but keep your conversations short until you have sound legal guidance from a car accident attorney at Rutter Mills. Our dedicated legal team has been helping auto accident victims in the Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton Roads communities since 1959, and we offer free case evaluations.

Car Accident Lawyers

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Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

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TESTIMONIALS

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

They lifted a lot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

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Watch Dan's 30 second video
Watch Levon's 30 second video
Watch a 30 second clip of John's story
TESTIMONIALS How We Helped