How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters After a Massachusetts Car Accident

Insurance adjusters are professionals employed by insurance companies to assess and manage claims submitted by policyholders or third parties involved in accidents. Their primary responsibility is to investigate and evaluate the details of an insurance claim.

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident in Massachusetts requires caution and strategic communication. Fortunately, our legal team can provide thorough guidance and support when pursuing your claim. We can ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout communications with the insurance company.

In the aftermath of your accident, seek assistance from our experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorneys by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan at (617) 925-6407.

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After Accidents in Massachusetts

Take caution when communicating with insurance adjusters after an accident in Massachusetts. In order to ensure that your rights and interests are protected, you should be mindful of the following:

Understand the Role of Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are individuals hired by insurance companies to evaluate and manage claims made by policyholders or third parties involved in accidents. It’s essential to remember that their primary allegiance lies with the insurer, not the claimant. Their goal is to protect the financial interests of the insurance company. Consequently, they may use various tactics to minimize the amount of compensation paid out to claimants. This could include downplaying the severity of injuries, disputing liability, or offering low settlement amounts.

Because of this inherent bias, it’s crucial for prospective clients to approach interactions with insurance adjusters cautiously. Understand that their friendly demeanor or promises of quick settlements may not always be in your best interest.

Seek Legal Representation

Hiring our Massachusetts car accident lawyers is one of the most proactive steps you can take to safeguard your interests when dealing with insurance adjusters. Our legal professionals specialize in personal injury cases and have a deep understanding of our state’s laws and regulations regarding accidents and insurance claims. We will work on your behalf, advocating for your rights and fighting for appropriate compensation.

Our Cambridge car accident attorneys will act as a buffer between you and the insurance company, ensuring that all communication goes through us. We can also help you gather essential evidence like medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to strengthen your claim.

Take Caution with Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements from claimants shortly after collisions. While these statements may seem harmless, they can be used against you later in the claims process. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions that can inadvertently harm your case. They may attempt to lead you into admitting fault or downplaying the harm caused by your injuries.

Accordingly, before providing any recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, it is strongly recommended that you consult with legal representation. Thankfully, our team can help you understand the potential pitfalls and guide you on how to respond to questions in a way that protects your interests.

Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations

If you suffered serious injuries as the result of your car crash, then you may need to file a lawsuit to recover the damages you are owed. The time limit to bring your car accident case to court is governed by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Generally, you will have to file within two years of the date your collision occurred. Noncompliance with this deadline can cause your potential case to be dismissed.

Even though you may have a maximum of two years to file your car accident lawsuit, you should begin working on your claim right away. The evidence needed to support your potential case may become difficult to preserve or gather as time passes. For example, eyewitnesses can forget crucial details and important documents can become lost. The sooner you begin building your claim, the more efficient your evidence collection will be.

Understanding the No-Fault Car Insurance System When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Massachusetts

When dealing with insurance adjusters after your accident, it is also important to understand the Massachusetts no-fault car insurance system. This system has multiple key aspects.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

In Massachusetts, you are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and essential services related to your car accident injuries. It is available regardless of who caused the accident at issue. Further, it is available to you, your passengers, and any pedestrians injured by your vehicle.

No-Fault Threshold

In Massachusetts, the no-fault car insurance system includes specific conditions known as the “no-fault threshold” that determine when you can step outside this system and seek payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

There are two ways to qualify for this option. First, you may qualify if your medical expenses resulting from the accident exceed $2,000. Second, you may qualify if your injuries caused you to suffer permanent and substantial disfigurement, a broken bone, or significant loss of hearing or sight.

If one of the aforementioned criteria is met, then you may pursue a claim directly against the at-fault motorist. This claim can also include compensation for non-economic damages such as physical pain and emotional suffering.

Understanding these threshold requirements is crucial when navigating car accident claims in Massachusetts, as they determine whether you can seek additional compensation beyond no-fault coverage. Fortunately, the team at our firm can review your case and determine if you may bring a claim against another motorist.

Property Damage Claims

Property damage claims are not governed by no-fault insurance rules. Accordingly, if your vehicle was damaged as a result of your collision, then you may bring a claim against the at-fault party seeking payment for the cost of your vehicle’s repair or replacement.

The defendant in your case may attempt to assert that your property damage does not stem from the crash at issue. Therefore, it may benefit you to take photos of your damaged vehicle in the immediate aftermath of your collision if you can.

Call Our Car Accident Lawyers for Help with Your Claim in Massachusetts

Get support from our experienced Boston car accident attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.