If you have slipped, fallen, and suffered injuries on the property of another person, you could be entitled to financial compensation. For that reason, you can expect the insurance company that covers the property where you fell to call you in short order. So, what should you do if an insurance company calls you after a slip and fall accident?
The most important thing you can do is avoid putting your case in jeopardy. The insurance company is not your friend and will actively work against your best interests. To avoid the risks that come with dealing with an insurance company, it could be in your best interest to hire legal counsel.
Why Insurance Companies Are Calling You
When the property owner’s insurance company calls you after a fall, they are doing so to expedite your injury claim. While that might sound like positive news, these insurance adjusters are not reaching out to be helpful. Their goal is to resolve your case quickly and for as little money as possible. In some cases, they will even work to unfairly reject your claim and deny you any compensation at all.
Insurance companies call early in the process for different reasons. They have learned over the years that they can settle some cases quickly—and do it for less than what the claim is actually worth. They also prefer to discuss a settlement before you have the opportunity to speak with a law firm like us.
Insurance adjusters know that most people do not have the experience or frame of reference required to resolve an injury case fairly. Negotiating with them regarding the value of your claim provides them with an unfair advantage. What’s more, if you settle your claim early and then realize you accepted an inadequate amount, you will not have the opportunity to come back for more money a second time.
Steps to Take When the Adjuster Calls
If you find yourself on the phone with an insurance adjuster, it is vital that you choose your words wisely. While dealing with the insurer is necessary for moving your claim along, it can also represent a serious risk. Some important steps to remember include:
Do Not Sign Anything or Accept Money
You could receive a settlement offer within days of your fall. Insurance companies often try to resolve these cases quickly in hopes of avoiding large, costly claims. If the insurance company is offering you money, there are strings attached.
The adjusters are not always forthcoming about those strings. Signing any kind of agreement or accepting any amount of money could waive your rights to pursue your case further. Never do that without talking to our firm first.
Do Not Admit Fault
One of the ways an insurance company could take advantage of you is by denying your claim unfairly. This can happen if you say anything that could be misconstrued as an admission of fault. Remember, if you admit to being responsible for the fall, the insurance company has no obligation to cover your damages.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement
Another thing to avoid is giving a recorded statement. While the insurance company might pressure you to do so, you are under no obligation to provide a statement. These statements are often used as tools to take your words out of context.
Benefits of Having Us As Your Advocate
You do not have to deal with the stress or risk of speaking with the insurance company on your own. After you slip and fall on another person’s property, you have the right to seek out a law firm like us to serve as your advocate. Part of taking on your personal injury case will involve dealing with the insurance company so that you do not have to.
This is one of the most important roles a legal advocate can play in your case. Talking to the insurance company can be a hassle, especially if they are hostile or uncooperative. What’s more, these insurers will often take anything you say out of context in hopes of holding it against you.
An attorney from our firm understands the traps insurance adjusters set and how to avoid making admissions that would harm your case.
Talk to an Attorney with Us About Your Slip and Fall Injury Case
There are different things you should say or do when an insurance company calls you after a slip and fall accident. The most important thing you can do is speak to an attorney from our firm as soon as possible. You should also see a doctor immediately after your slip and fall to link your injuries to the incident.
Your attorney could help you alleviate the stress of dealing with the insurance company. At the same time, they could prevent you from settling your case for less than its true value. To learn how Loncar Lyon Jenkins could assist with your case, call (877) 239-4878 right away for a free consultation.
