Auto Accident

Beat the Insurance Adjuster

Don’t let the insurance company keep you from getting the money you deserve! Contact an Alabama auto accident lawyer at Cory Watson. We handle cases in Alabama and across the United States.

The adjuster’s job is to make the insurance company more money by paying less money to people injured in accidents - people who need it. They do this by taking advantage of any instance where an injured person does not have proof of damages or injuries. We know that’s not fair, so we’ve put together some ways that people injured in auto accidents can show proof of their injuries and beat the insurance adjuster at their own game.

At the Scene:

Make observations (Also see our Auto Accident Procedures page)

Identify witnesses who saw the accident take place so there will be someone to support your case if it goes to court. Write down their names and addresses and interview them. Ask them what they saw and make a note of phrases they used like "slammed into," "plowed," "speeding," or "he ran the red light."

Be on guard

Beware of insurance representatives at the scene of an auto accident. It is rumored that some insurance companies send adjusters to accident scenes in order to catch people off guard with incriminating questions or to have them sign away any rights they may have to future compensation.

After the Collision:

See a doctor.
If you are injured, schedule an appointment with your own doctor as soon as possible. Don’t let the insurance adjuster choose a doctor for you. You have the right to a doctor of your choice. Have your doctor document any injuries and treatments you receive.

Photograph your car.
Take pictures of your car as soon as possible after the accident. When the adjuster asks for proof of damage, it is difficult to dispute a picture taken of your car at the collision scene. Pictures of the damage will help tell your story. If possible, take pictures of the other cars involved as well. These pictures will help supply information regarding the severity of your claim.

Photograph your injuries.
Take pictures of your injuries before they heal. In many cases, the seat belt strap can bruise you across the shoulders and chest, but after several weeks those bruises heal. Months later, when the insurance adjuster is arguing that your car accident was not very significant, pictures of your bruises and other injuries will help solidify your personal injury claim.

As Time Passes:

Write down your observations.
Keep notes about your injuries. In 6 or 7 months, you might forget how it hurt just to get dressed. The adjuster will try to make it seem like any description you give is an exaggeration. Write down your pain medications. These kinds of written documents can be very valuable when presenting your personal injury claim to the insurance adjuster or to a judge and jury in court.

Keep records of expenses.
The adjuster will ask for proof of anything you claim as an expense. Be sure you keep receipts for prescriptions, household services like lawn mowing and getting someone to cook for you, car rentals and so forth. Keep each of those receipts so you can document every expense.

Most Importantly:

Consult an experienced Alabama auto accident lawyer
Without legal help from an injury law firm like Cory Watson, you may have no idea of the real value of your claim. Moreover, the Insurance Research Council found that, on average, injured people who use a lawyer receive three and a half times more money than those who do not! *

The bottom line
In most cases, the insurance adjuster is not on your side. Their goal is to save the insurance company money by giving you as little as possible after your auto accident. Whether you choose Cory Watson to represent you or not, you need an experienced, tough law firm on your side. Don’t go it alone. The most important thing you can do after calling Cory Watson is to make sure you keep track of everything – photos, witnesses, doctor visits, receipts, treatments received, and any pain or suffering you endure after your auto accident.

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Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, P.C.
2131 Magnolia Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 800-852-6299
Local Phone: (205) 328-2200
Fax: (205) 324-7896