Ok, you were injured in an accident- a car accident, a fall, or other injury. Now, the insurance company keeps calling you. Here are some reminders:
First, find out which insurance company's adjuster is calling. If it's your own insurance company (like for a car accident, it would be considered your "first-party" adjuster). You typically are supposed to cooperate with your own insurer (it will be a section in your policy, often called a "duty to cooperate). You would provide your own company with the basic information. For example, if you were in a car accident in Collegeville or you fell in Phoenixville, you provide that information to your own company. They will assign you a claim number. Ask your adjuster what coverages and benefits are available under your policy. You can ask them to provide that in writing.
If they want a statement, ask them if you are required to give them one under your policy and ask them to tell you where in your policy it says that. If you are unsure, contact an experienced injury lawyer.
If the insurance company calling you is the liability insurance company (that is, the insurer for the at-fault driver in a car accident, or the insurer for the property where you fell, etc), then you should be very careful about what information you give out. Often, insurers will assign adjusters to a geographic area. For example, some insurance companies have an adjuster assigned to Pottstown or Collegeville or Montgomery County. They will call you if your accident happened there. They may ask you for a statement. You should be very careful about providing any statement to an opposing insurance company without getting a lawyer. Remember, their job is not to pay what's fair, but rather, to save their company money. They may be motivated to settle your claim- but don't mistake that for being fair. Their desire to close the claim is based on what's best for their company- they may believe they can get you to agree to settle for less early on before you know what your injuries are or you have additional expenses.
If you have any questions, feel free to call us.
(610) 792-3304
www.PAinjurycase.com
David E. Schreiber
