5 Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to an Insurance Adjuster After a Pennsylvania Car Accident

After a car accident, you may hear from an insurance adjuster before you know the full extent of your injuries or vehicle damage. The adjuster may ask how the crash happened, whether you are hurt, and whether you will give a recorded statement.

You can cooperate with an insurer while taking time to give accurate information and understand what you are being asked to sign. Here are five mistakes to avoid.

1. Guessing About Who Caused the Crash

An adjuster may ask you to explain what happened. Stick to what you remember. Avoid guessing about speed, distance, or what another driver saw, and don't accept blame just to be polite.

Pennsylvania law accounts for situations where more than one person may have contributed to a crash. In general, an injured person's recovery can be reduced by their share of the negligence, and recovery is barred if their negligence is greater than the defendant's. The details depend on the evidence and the claims involved. JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE

If you're unsure about a detail, say so. Photos, witness accounts, vehicle damage, and other evidence may help establish what happened.

2. Saying “I'm Fine” Before You Know How You're Doing

You may feel shaken after a crash and not notice all your symptoms right away. Telling an adjuster that you are “fine” or “not hurt” can create confusion if you later seek care for pain or other symptoms.

You don't need to diagnose yourself during an insurance call. Explain what you know at that point, and tell the adjuster if you have not yet completed a medical evaluation. If you are injured, seek care and follow your provider's instructions.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement Without Understanding the Request

The other driver's insurance company may ask for a recorded statement. You can ask who the statement is for, what topics it will cover, and whether it is required before deciding how to respond. Avoid answering questions by guessing or speculating.

There's an important distinction: your own insurer may have policy requirements that call for your cooperation or a statement. Review the request and your policy, and ask questions if you are unsure what is required. A request from the other driver's insurer is different.

4. Signing a Broad Medical Records Authorization

An adjuster may ask you to sign an authorization to obtain medical records. Before signing, read what records it covers, the time period, and who may receive them. A broad authorization may reach records that have little to do with the injuries from the crash.

You can ask the insurer to identify the records it needs and why. Keep copies of any forms you sign and any documents you send.

5. Accepting a Settlement Before You Understand Its Scope

An early settlement offer may arrive while you are still treating or learning how the crash affects you. Before accepting, find out what the release covers. Depending on its wording, a release can end some or all claims arising from the accident, including claims for injuries or expenses that are not yet fully known.

Don't assume you can reopen a claim after signing a release. Review the offer and release carefully, and consider getting legal advice before accepting.

What to Do After an Adjuster Contacts You

Keep the conversation factual and save the insurer's letters, emails, claim forms, and payment records. Get medical care for injuries, keep records of treatment and expenses, and preserve photos and repair estimates.

Pennsylvania auto policies also include first-party benefits for eligible medical expenses. These benefits are handled separately from a bodily-injury claim against another driver, and the law sets rules for which policy provides them.

You may want to review our pages on Pennsylvania PIP coverage and Tips for Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Car Crash

Areas Served

Sklarosky Law represents car accident victims throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, including:

• Luzerne County, including Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Hazleton, Pittston, Nanticoke, Dallas, Mountain Top, and surrounding communities

• Lackawanna County, including Scranton and surrounding communities

• Monroe County, including Stroudsburg and the Pocono region

• Carbon County, including Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, and surrounding communities

• Columbia County, including Bloomsburg and surrounding communities

• Wyoming County, including Tunkhannock and surrounding communities

If your accident occurred elsewhere in Pennsylvania, contact Sklarosky Law to discuss whether the firm can assist with your claim.

Help With a Pennsylvania Car Accident Claim

If you or a loved one were injured in a Pennsylvania car accident, we can help.

Call Sklarosky Law at (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to tell us about your potential case.

Insurance companies have lawyers working against you—make sure you have one fighting for you.