After a car accident in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley one of the first people you will hear from is an insurance adjuster. They may sound friendly and sympathetic. They may tell you they just want to help you get your claim resolved quickly. But make no mistake — an insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company’s money, not yours.
At Girgis Law Firm, APC, attorney Anthony Girgis has spent over 16 years dealing with insurance adjusters on behalf of injured clients throughout Encino, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Northridge, and the greater Los Angeles area. Here is what you need to know before you speak with one.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
One of the first things an insurance adjuster will ask for is a recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. You are not legally required to give one to the other driver’s insurance company and you should politely decline. Recorded statements are used to lock you into a version of events that can later be used against you — and adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that minimize your injuries or suggest you were partially at fault.
Do Not Accept the First Offer
As discussed in our previous post insurance companies routinely make quick low settlement offers hoping you will accept before you understand the full value of your claim. Never accept any offer without first consulting an experienced personal injury attorney.
Be Careful What You Say About Your Injuries
When speaking with an insurance adjuster avoid making statements like “I am feeling okay” or “I am doing better” — even if you mean them casually. These statements can be used to argue that your injuries are not serious or that you have recovered. The truth is that many car accident injuries including whiplash disc herniations and concussions worsen over time and it is too early to make any statements about your recovery in the days immediately after an accident.
Do Not Post on Social Media
Insurance companies routinely monitor the social media accounts of accident victims. A photo of you at a family gathering or a post saying you had a great weekend can be used to contradict your claims of pain and suffering. Avoid posting anything on social media until your claim is resolved.
What You Should Do Instead
The single best thing you can do after a car accident in the San Fernando Valley is contact an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance company. At Girgis Law Firm, APC, attorney Anthony Girgis handles all insurance company communications on behalf of his clients — protecting them from the tactics adjusters use to minimize claims and ensuring they recover the maximum compensation they deserve.
Injured in a car accident in the San Fernando Valley? Contact Girgis Law Firm, APC for a free consultation. Attorney Anthony Girgis represents accident victims throughout Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Northridge, Woodland Hills, and surrounding communities. Call (818) 986-5000 — no fees unless we win.
