Should You Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster After an Accident in Maryland?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, you may get a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. The adjuster might make the call seem like a routine step in the claims process. This might make you wonder, “Should I talk to them?” It is advisable to avoid talking to the other party’s insurance adjuster without first speaking to an attorney. Whatever you say to the adjuster can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Below, we discuss more about why you should avoid talking to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster after an accident in Maryland.
Understanding the Role of the Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters professionals are hired by insurance companies to investigate and evaluate claims. They determine if the policy covers a claim and, if so, how much should be paid. When an insurance adjuster from the trucking company’s insurance company calls you, it is not necessarily because they want to ensure you get a fair settlement. Their job is to investigate the claim against their insured driver and/or trucking company, and protect their employer’s bottom line. They are not there to protect your interests.
While adjusters might seem friendly and concerned, they don’t contact plaintiffs to ensure they are fairly compensated. These individuals are trained to try to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible, or deny claims altogether. Receiving a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster at the early stages of your claim is a strategic move. They know you are in a vulnerable state and likely don’t have an attorney yet. Their goal is to gather information from you that they can later use to devalue or deny your claim.
Why You Should Not Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster
Talking directly to the adjuster poses several risks, including the following;
- You Might Admit Fault
One of the biggest risks of speaking to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before consulting an attorney is that you might inadvertently admit fault. Saying something like, “I guess I did not see him/her,” or “I could not stop in time,” could lead to you being assigned partial blame. Under Maryland’s strict contributory negligence law, if you’re found even 1% at fault for the crash, you can’t recover any compensation.
- Your Recorded Statement Might Be Used Against You
If you let the insurance adjuster record your conversation, that conversation becomes an official statement that can be used against you. Even a single error or minor inconsistency between the statement and later facts can be used to dispute liability or attack your credibility.
- You Might Minimize Your Injuries
If you say something like “I feel fine/better”, the adjuster might use your statement later to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may use your statement to devalue the value of your case.
- You Might Fall for the Pressure To Settle Too Fast
The insurance adjuster might offer you a quick, low-ball settlement. Accepting this low-ball offer may permanently bar you from seeking further compensation since signing the settlement check involves signing a release of liability that legally releases the insurance company from any future liability related to the accident.
In summary, the trucking company’s insurance adjuster isn’t on your side. Speak to an attorney before you say anything.
Contact a Towson Truck Accident Attorney
Our Towson truck accident attorneys at Hardball Law can help protect your rights and fight for your deserved compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
dls.maryland.gov/pubs/prod/CourtCrimCivil/Negligence-Systems.pdf
