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What should I not say to an insurance adjuster in Las Vegas?

Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. No matter how careful you are on the road, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. In the aftermath of an accident, you may have to talk to an insurance adjuster, whose job is to investigate and settle claims. While it is important to cooperate, it is also crucial to understand that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize the amount paid for your claim, so they may ask you questions that can be used against you. In this article, J. Cogburn Law, the best car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, shares what NOT to say to an insurance adjuster based on Nevada laws. So, what should I not say to an insurance adjuster in Las Vegas?

Admit fault

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when talking to an insurance adjuster is to admit fault. Even if you think you caused the accident, you may not understand all the factors that led to it, such as mechanical failure, road conditions, or weather. Also, your perception of what happened may not be accurate, especially if you were in shock or injured. Nevada follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that each party involved in the accident can be assigned a percentage of fault based on their actions or omissions. If you admit fault, you may be held liable for damages that are not your fault or receive a lower settlement than you deserve.

Speculating About What Happened

Another thing you should not say to an insurance adjuster is to speculate about what happened. If you did not see the other driver’s actions or if you are not sure what caused the accident, it is better to say that than to make assumptions. Remember that your version of the events will be cross-checked with other witnesses, the police report, and the physical evidence. If your statement is inconsistent or unsupported, it can be used to discredit your claim or lower your compensation.

Giving Information About Your Injuries

While it is important to report your injuries to the insurance company, you should not disclose too much information to the adjuster. Avoid saying things like: “I feel fine” or “It was just a minor pain”. The adjuster may use your words against you and argue that you were not hurt enough to deserve compensation. Also, do not share medical records or bills without consulting a lawyer first, as the adjuster may use them to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. Instead, say that you are seeking medical attention and that you will provide details later.

Making a Recorded Statement

Some insurance adjusters may ask you to make a recorded statement about the accident. You should decline this request and refer them to your lawyer. Recording can be edited, altered, or misinterpreted, and it can be used to your disadvantage in court. Also, you are not required by law to make a statement, only to report the accident and cooperate with the investigation.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Lastly, do not accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company, even if it seems generous or urgent. The adjuster may try to close the case quickly before you have a chance to recover fully or seek legal advice. Also, the first offer is usually a lowball figure that does not reflect the true value of your claim. Instead, consult a lawyer and let them negotiate on your behalf. J. Cogburn Law has helped many clients in Scottsdale and Nevada obtain fair compensation for their car accident injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.