How to Negotiate with Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident

Insurance companies exert considerable influence over the compensation you might receive after a car accident in Washington. Knowing how to negotiate with insurance adjusters after a car accident is crucial for recovering fair compensation. Otherwise, you might not have the resources you need for your medical care and other needs, jeopardizing your recovery.

How to Negotiate a Fair Settlement

Negotiating a fair car accident settlement requires sound strategy, careful preparation, and solid evidence. Here’s what to do to give yourself the best chance of recovering maximum compensation:

• Gather All Relevant Evidence – Collect all available evidence from the crash, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Request the police report and any available witness statements.
• Understand the Full Value of Your Claim – Add up your medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs. Don’t forget to consider future expenses and non-economic losses like your pain and suffering.
• Review Your Insurance Policy – Know what your policy and the other driver’s policy cover. Understanding policy limits can help you set realistic expectations for your claim.
• Keep Track of All Communications – Maintain a detailed record of conversations with the insurers, including letters, emails, and settlement offers. This step helps keep the negotiations organized and clear.
• Don’t Rush the Process – Insurance companies may offer quick, lowball settlements because they know you’re facing financial stress. Be patient, and don’t settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
• Consider Future Needs – Your long-term injuries may require ongoing treatment or limit your ability to work. Make sure your settlement accounts for those future costs.
• Know When to Push Back – If the insurer disputes your claim or offers too little, you can reject the offer and keep negotiating.
• Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer – Having legal support often leads to better outcomes. An attorney can calculate your claim’s fair value, handle communications, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

What to Say—and Not Say—to the Adjuster

The insurance adjuster is usually your contact person during settlement talks. Here are tips on what to say when speaking to the insurance adjuster:

• Stick to the Facts – Provide basic details like the date, time, and location of the accident.
• Mention Injuries Briefly – Confirm that you suffered injuries, but avoid detailed medical discussions early on.
• Say You’re Still Receiving Treatment – Letting the adjuster know your recovery is ongoing can help prevent low early offers.
• Direct Them to Your Lawyer – If you’ve hired legal counsel, tell the adjuster to speak with your attorney.
• Say You’ll Provide Written Documentation – Offer to share evidence like repair bills or medical records, but only after reviewing them with your lawyer.
• Ask for All Offers in Writing – This step keeps everything on record and helps avoid confusion over settlement terms or amounts.
• Express That You’re Taking the Process Seriously – Be calm, polite, and professional to show that you’re informed and prepared.

There are also some things you shouldn’t say when speaking with insurance adjusters:

• Don’t Admit Fault – Never say anything that could implicate you in the crash. Even a simple “I’m sorry” could hurt your case. Stick to the facts.
• Don’t Guess or Speculate – If you don’t know something, say so. Never assume or make estimates.
• Don’t Minimize Your Injuries – Comments like “I feel fine now” can hurt your claim.
• Don’t Discuss Your Medical History – Don’t offer details about unrelated past injuries or conditions.
• Don’t Accept the First Offer – Initial settlements are usually lower than your claim’s true value.
• Don’t Give a Recorded Statement – Politely decline unless your lawyer says otherwise. You don’t want to say something an insurer might use against you.
• Don’t Say You Don’t Need a Lawyer – This can weaken your bargaining position, even if you plan to hire one later.

How The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation

The best step to avoid mistakes during settlement negotiations is to hire a capable car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs has over 70 years of experience with these cases and knows how to fight for your interests. We can gather evidence to support your claim, prepare you for negotiations, and handle communications with the insurance companies. We know how to properly evaluate your losses and push back against attempts to minimize your injuries. Should settlement negotiations fail, we’ll be ready to fight for your rights in court and present your case to a judge or jury.

Don’t jeopardize your future by handling settlement negotiations yourself. Call The Law Offices of Briggs & Briggs today at (253) 588-6696 for a free consultation, or you can reach out online.