Right after someone’s negligence causes your car accident injuries, your phone will soon ring. One of the first calls usually comes from the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster.
Understand that this person does not work for you, and their job is to protect the insurance company by minimizing the company’s payout. Speaking to them prematurely is the most common and damaging mistake injured people make. Here are three common adjuster tactics.
They use your words against you
Adjusters zero in on any information that can hurt your case. They may push you for a recorded statement. Don’t give consent, as they will ask seemingly innocent questions like, “How are you feeling today?” Even a simple “I’m OK” can be twisted later.
They might take your words out of context to suggest your injuries are minor. They could also claim you were partly at fault for the accident. When you hire an attorney, they handle all communication, so you don’t unknowingly jeopardize your claim.
They push lowball offers
Insurance companies want to close your claim quickly and cheaply. They often try to lure you with a fast settlement offer. These initial offers rarely account for the full amount of damages you suffer. You risk overlooking crucial, long-term expenses, including:
- Future medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income from missing work later on
- Compensation for pain and suffering
Remember that once you sign a settlement release, the case is closed forever. You cannot seek additional compensation even if your injuries worsen.
They take advantage of Ohio’s complex laws
Ohio’s legal framework for assessing fault and determining compensation has specific and complicated rules. For example, the state uses a principle called “comparative negligence.” The law reduces your payout if you are 50% or less at fault, but bars you from compensation if a court finds you greater than 50% (i.e., 51% or more) responsible. Insurers try to pin as much of the blame on you as possible.
You must also adhere to the statute of limitations, which is the strict deadline (generally two years in Ohio) for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline instantly ends your right to seek compensation. A lawyer gathers all the necessary evidence and provides documents that are filed on time, ensuring you have a correctly valued claim under Ohio’s complex rules. A skilled attorney levels the playing field against large insurance companies with deep pockets and tactically aggressive adjusters.
Build a legal shield
Consulting with a lawyer first gives you three primary benefits. It offers protection from damaging missteps, ensures the full financial valuation of your injuries and also keeps you in compliance with critical legal deadlines.
Having experienced legal representation is essential to accurately assess your total damages and protect your rights throughout the claims process. While you focus on your physical recovery, your attorney handles the fight for fair compensation.