After a car accident in South Carolina, one of the first phone calls you may receive is from an insurance adjuster. Whether the call is from your insurance provider or the insurance carrier for the other party, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Dealing with insurance adjusters requires careful handling, as claims adjusters are trained to protect the company money and minimize payouts. To ensure a fair settlement and adequate compensation, understanding how to handle the insurance claims process is essential.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance claims adjuster – often referred to as a claims adjuster – is responsible for investigating your insurance claim, assessing damages, and estimating repair bills, property damage, and medical expenses. There are three types:
- Staff adjusters (employees of insurance companies)
- Independent adjusters (contracted by insurance companies)
- Public adjusters (represent accident victims, though rarely in auto accident cases)
In most personal injury claims, you’ll deal with staff or independent adjusters representing insurance carriers.
Why You Should Be Cautious
Insurance adjusters use tactics insurance companies design to limit fair recovery. These may include:
- Trying to obtain an admission of fault from the injured person
- Offering a quick settlement before full medical records are available
- Downplaying physical pain, emotional distress, and the extent of property damage
Their goal is to minimize your entire claim, not to help you secure fair compensation.
Your Rights When Dealing With Insurance Adjusters
Under personal injury laws in South Carolina:
- You are not obligated to give a recorded statement
- You can reject initial offers
- You have the right to consult with a personal injury attorney or accident lawyer
Tips for Dealing With Insurance Adjusters in South Carolina
1. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Timely reporting helps avoid delays that can complicate your insurance policy and affect your accident claims.
2. Stick to Basic Questions
Only provide your name, contact info, accident scene location, and involved parties. Don’t make damaging statements or speculate about the fault driver or degree of fault.
3. Decline to Give a Recorded Statement
Avoid informal conversations and friendly conversations that can be twisted against you. Always deny recording until you consult your legal team.
4. Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Review
Whether it’s a medical release, settlement offers, or documents regarding repair estimates, let an experienced car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer review them.
5. Maintain Detailed Documentation
Keep a detailed record of all communications, including names, times, and summaries. This includes tracking all witness statements, medical bills, and repair bills.
6. Be Patient With Settlement Offers
Insurance agents often make lowball initial offers to pressure you. Don’t rush – consider your future earnings, medical care, and physical therapy needs.
Common Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use
- Downplaying injuries or your chance of recovery
- Blaming the accident victim or citing comparative fault
- Delaying to increase your desperation
- Asking dangerous questions to manipulate your statements about fault
Medical Records and Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often request broad medical history access. Limit access only to treatment related to the automobile accident claim. A medical release should not authorize unlimited review.
Responding to Settlement Offers
Never accept a cheap settlement without evaluating:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Medical care and chronic pain
- Quality of life and emotional distress
Make counter offers if necessary and consult with a personal injury attorney.
Understanding Fault in South Carolina
South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percent at fault. Adjusters aim to increase your perceived fault to reduce compensation for property damage and medical costs.
When to Get Legal Help
If you’re dealing with:
- Severe injury victims
- Disputed fault parties
- Complicated personal injury claims
Reach out to a trusted accident attorney. A strong legal representation can:
- Handle communications with insurance adjusters
- Protect your rights
- Provide a convincing evidence package
Immediate Steps After the Crash
To protect your entire claim:
- Call 911 and obtain a police report
- Seek medical care
- Take photos of the accident scene and injuries
- Gather witness statements
- Keep a crash report and injury journal
If Your Claim Is Denied
If your insurance claim is rejected:
- Request a detailed explanation
- Review your insurance policy
- Gather more evidence
- Seek help from a law office or experienced attorney
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident is a daunting task – especially for those without legal knowledge. Protect yourself from common pitfalls and never navigate the complexities of insurance claims alone.
Protect Your Rights With Ted Law Firm At Ted Law Firm, We proudly serve injury victims in Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Orangeburg, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Summerville. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s reckless or criminal behavior, our experienced attorneys are here to help you seek justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Let Ted Law Firm help you file a successful claim for emotional damages. Contact Ted Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’re committed to supporting families in their time of need.
