What to expect in an interview with an Auto Insurance Adjuster.

You should already know that once you are in a car accident, one of the first things you should do after you have called the police and been to see a physician is call your insurance company. Once the initial phone call, you should expect to be contacted by an insurance adjuster who will ask you questions about the car accident and how it happened. The discussion is designed to give the adjuster as much facts and data so they may evaluate and make a decision on your claim. Keep in mind that this is not an interrogation and shouldn’t feel like one. The interview is about facts.

More than likely, you will be interviewed over the phone, but it is not uncommon for an adjuster to pay you a visit or even request you come by their office if they are in the same city as you. Don’t worry about them recording you without your permission. They will ask before doing so and if you don’t want your conversation recorded, simply say so. The types of questions they will ask may seem like a lot, but it is in your best interest to answer every question truthfully and tell the insurance adjuster what you remember about the accident. Here are some of the questions you might be asked:

• Did the accident occur at an intersection, neighborhood or interstate?
• Which direction were you driving at the time and what was your destination?
• How did the accident happen?
• What did you see and hear before, during and after the accident?
• What happened to the other car that hit you?
• Who was injured? Do you have their names and contact info?
• Was anyone taken to a hospital for treatment?
• How many witnesses were there? Do you have their names and contact info?
• Was it city police that came to the scene or was it county sheriffs department or state trooper? Do you have their info?
• Do you have the police report yet?
• What happened to your vehicle? Was it towed?
• Do you have copies of any medical bills, receipts from car rentals, car repairs, tow truck costs, or other paperwork that relates to your auto accident?

The adjuster will utilize the answers you provide, along with additional info that they have gathered to estimate the dollar value of your claim. They will arrive at a dollar amount that is considered a “fair offer”. If you believe the offer to be inadequate, you may wish to counter the amount offered.

Remember you always have the option to get a free consultation from an experienced auto accident attorney who will know what amount you should be seeking and will make sure you are compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and to replace your car. The car wreck lawyer you choose should always work for you on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case.