After a car accident, one of the most important things that you will have to deal with is talking to the insurance company. While dealing with an insurance company can be a headache, doing so—and doing so properly—is very important to recovering compensation for your injuries and property losses. If you have been in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, we have some tips for dealing with an insurance adjuster.

Report the Accident as Soon as Possible 

After a car accident, you should report the accident to your car insurance company as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have stipulations that prevent you from recovering damages after a certain amount of time has passed – if you do not report your accident within a timely manner, you may be barred from compensation.

Stick to the Facts 

Whomever you speak to on the phone or in person about your car accident is going to ask you a lot of questions. These questions will likely range from what happened to the extent of your injuries. It is very important that you answer these questions as accurately as possible. Do not provide the insurance adjuster with more information than he or she needs to know (i.e. only answer the questions that you are asked). Furthermore, if you are unsure about the answer to a question, just say, “I do not know,” rather than making something up.

Do Not Accept a First Settlement Offer 

At the conclusion of the process, the insurance company will likely offer you a settlement amount to pay for your injuries and damages. No matter what you do, do not accept the settlement offer without thoroughly reviewing it first, especially if it is the first offer that has been made. Too often, insurance companies will try to get away with paying you less than you really deserve, and will offer you a settlement amount that is far below what your claim is really worth. Once you accept a settlement though, it will be too late to renegotiate.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney 

Finally, if you have been in a car accident and have sustained anything other than minor damages, you should consider calling a car accident attorney for legal support. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney at the Montero Law Center can provide you with more tips for speaking with the insurance adjuster, help you prove fault, negotiate a settlement offer, and review an offer thoroughly before it is accepted. Our lawyers are reachable for a free consultation today. Call us now at 888-459-0529 or request a consultation online.