During our free consultation I learned that the insurance adjuster had convinced both women to submit to a recorded statement conducted by him as well as sign an unrestricted medical release.\u00a0 When I asked why they had agreed to these requests they both said they thought they were required by law to provide that information to the insurance adjuster.\u00a0 They were both surprised to learn that there is no legal requirement to comply with these kinds of requests.\u00a0 More recently the insurance adjuster has taken a more adversarial tone with them and they decided it was best to consult with an attorney before they move forward.<\/p>\n
The above scenario is all too common.\u00a0 It is not unusual for an insurance adjuster for the at fault driver to contact you almost immediately after the accident and engage in a dialogue.\u00a0 Often the adjuster will assume a compassionate tone ingratiating him or herself in an effort to disarm the victim and form a sense of camaraderie.\u00a0 In doing so they will dispel the victim\u2019s need or right to consult with an attorney to explore their rights and benefits.\u00a0 Instead, the adjuster will masquerade as a concerned friend wanting to help you through this difficult time.<\/p>\n
It is important to dispel that notion right from the start.\u00a0 The insurance adjuster is NOT your friend, confidant, agent, or fiduciary.\u00a0 Their goal is to limit your claim and pay you as little as possible for your injuries.\u00a0 They want to take your recorded statement immediately after the accident while you are still in shock, confused, disoriented and scared so that you might say something that can later be used against you to challenge your claim.\u00a0 Remember, you are NOT required to provide the insurance adjuster for the at-fault party with any statement, recorded or otherwise.<\/p>\n
Also, do not be deceived into believing you must provide a signed release for your medical records.\u00a0 The adjuster will tell you that they must have a release for all your medical records so they can review them before making an offer to settle your claim.\u00a0 It is true that they will require medical records to evaluate your claim before making an offer, but an unrestricted medical release provides them with unfettered access to your entire medical history whether it is related to the accident or not.\u00a0 Do you really believe the adjuster should be entitled to review your obstetrician\u2019s records because you sustained a neck injury in a car accident?<\/p>\n
Finally, I do want to clarify one point.\u00a0 The above only applies to what an insurance adjuster for the at-fault party may be entitled to.\u00a0 It does not necessarily apply to an insurance adjuster for your own insurance carrier.\u00a0 To learn more about this please contact our office to schedule a free consultation before making a decision that could adversely impact your case.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
During our free consultation I learned that the insurance adjuster had convinced both women to submit to a recorded statement conducted by him as well as sign an unrestricted medical release.\u00a0 When I asked why they had agreed to these requests they both said they thought they were required by law to provide that information […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n