Dealing with Long Island Insurance Adjusters

After a serious motorcycle accident, you may face significant medical and financial challenges. Thankfully, you can file an insurance claim to obtain compensation for your expenses and losses. However, dealing with a motorcycle insurance adjuster can become stressful and time-consuming.

Knowing how to handle communications with insurance adjusters can give you the best chance of successfully recovering the compensation you deserve. Here are some critical tips to follow in a Long Island motorcycle insurance claim.

Don’t Rush Yourself to Give a Statement

In one of your first conversations with a motorcycle insurance adjuster, the adjuster may ask you for a written or recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. However, insurers frequently use victims’ statements to undermine their injury or compensation claims following motorcycle accidents. You should wait until you understand the extent of your injuries and all the facts surrounding the accident before you agree to talk to the adjuster about your case.

Stick to Facts

When discussing the events of the motorcycle accident with an adjuster, stick to the facts as you remember them. If you guess or try to fill in the gaps in your memory or exaggerate facts to boost your motorcycle accident insurance claim, you may hurt your credibility with the insurance company. When you cannot recall a fact or detail, you can say, “I don’t remember.” Finally, avoid blaming the other motorist for the crash, as that can affect your credibility or make you seem like you want to deflect responsibility.

Don’t Admit Fault

At the same time, you must avoid making statements that expressly admit fault or responsibility for the accident. Refrain from saying things like “I didn’t see the other driver” or offering an apology, as the adjuster may conclude that you bear responsibility for causing the crash. 

Don’t Disclose Past or Current Medical Conditions or Records

In many motorcycle accident cases, a motorcycle insurance adjuster may ask you about past or current medical conditions or previous accidents you’ve had. They may also ask you to sign a medical release giving the insurance company access to your medical records. Insurers want to dig through your medical history for any sign that your claimed motorcycle accident injuries may have resulted from prior trauma or a pre-existing condition rather than the accident. 

Track Your Expenses

Keep copies of any bills, invoices, or receipts of expenses you incur during your recovery. Gather your pre-accident pay stubs or income statements if you need to take time off work or must transfer to a lower-paying position due to serious injuries. 

Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

Never sign any documents a motorcycle insurance adjuster presents without first having an attorney review them. Although an adjuster may claim they need you to sign a document to process your claim, you may inadvertently give up critical rights by doing so.

Don’t Accept an Unfair Settlement

Insurers prefer quick settlements before motorcycle accident victims understand the extent of their injuries and losses. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you negotiate a fair and full settlement for your ongoing and future losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. 

Contact our Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

When you have a motorcycle accident claim, get the legal help you need to deal with the insurance companies and secure financial relief for your recovery. Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today for a free, no-obligation case review and consultation. An experienced Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer will assess your case and discuss your legal options for recovering the compensation you need.