How to Deal With Insurance Adjusters After a Harrisburg Car Accident

Car accidents in Harrisburg can cause devastating injuries. In the immediate aftermath, insurance adjusters are quick to call, seem sympathetic, and may even offer an immediate settlement.

Unfortunately, these are common tactics, and they serve one goal: to save the insurer money. With over 150 years of collective experience, we know how to deal with these companies. Our experienced Harrisburg car accident lawyer shares common ways insurance adjusters try to dispute or deny claims, and how to protect your rights.

How Insurance Adjusters Dispute Harrisburg Car Accident Claims

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have insurance. Insurance adjusters often call soon after a crash, show concern, and encourage you to talk about what happened.

Before making any statements or signing any documents, keep in mind that their job is to protect the insurance company’s profits, often by disputing or denying claims. Common tactics they use against Harrisburg accident victims include:

• Calling immediately after the accident, before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Requesting recorded statements, which they then use against you.
• Offering a quick settlement that doesn’t account for future medical costs or lost income.
• Using your social media posts or public activity to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
• Suggesting that delays in medical treatment mean the crash didn’t cause your injuries.

Make no mistake: adjusters are trained negotiators who are not on your side. Talking to them without getting legal guidance first puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Do’s and Don’ts When Talking to Harrisburg Car Accident Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that rake in billions of dollars each year. For insurance adjusters, their job depends on their ability to reduce payouts. If you are injured in a Harrisburg car accident, keep the following in mind when dealing with them:

• Do stick to basic facts when speaking with adjusters and avoid speculating about fault or the severity of your injuries.
• Do not provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
• Do get any settlement offers in writing.
• Don’t post on social media until your claim is resolved, as it’s one of the first places they look for evidence to use against you.
• Do get professional legal help before accepting any settlements.

Under Pennsylvania law, Harrisburg car accident victims may be compensated for tangible costs, such as property damages, lost income, and medical bills. They may also be entitled to compensation for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering. Both should be included in any insurance settlements.

Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Harrisburg Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance adjusters may appear to be on your side, but the fact is their job depends on saving the insurance company money. At Ira H. Weinstock P.C., we have the experience and skill needed in negotiations and help clients throughout Dauphin County get the maximum compensation they are entitled to in a claim.

Before accepting less than what you need to recover, contact our Harrisburg car accident lawyer and request a consultation today.

Sources: 

pa.gov/agencies/dmv/faqs/motor-vehicle-faqs/insurance-law-faqs

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.085.053.000..HTM