Working with an insurance company after an accident can be a very challenging experience and a potential misstep can limit your options for settlement. Each insurance company has their own adjusters on staff that are hired specifically to evaluate each accident and attempt to make a settlement with the consumer. A Mercury insurance claims adjuster, just like other insurance company adjuster, is going to attempt to get a fast settlement, often with a low offer, in order to get the accident claim off the books.
Filing the Claim
Ideally the police have responded to the scene of the accident and an official police report has been filed. If the police don't attend the accident because it doesn't meet their response requirements you may still be able to file a report yourself at the local police station. Always make the effort to have an official report of some kind in addition to witness information and statements, pictures and a written description of the accident.
After this, and as soon as possible, file a claim with your insurance company. This will be the first time you have to deal with the insurance claims intake worker and it is important to be factual, have all documentation handy and avoid stating anything about your medical condition or possible injuries without a diagnosis.
Talking to the Mercury Insurance Claims Adjuster
Usually within two to three days a Mercury claims adjuster representing Mercury Insurance will contact you by phone. He or she will ask additional questions about the accident and your health status. Between filing the claim and speaking to the adjuster you should contact a personal injury attorney and discuss having the attorney handle the contact or what should and should not be said at this initial conversation.
Typically an inspection of the vehicle will happen quickly but even if it is delayed do not have any repairs completed before the inspection. Don't remove damaged personal property from the vehicle unless advised to do so by an attorney. Never sign any waivers or releases with the adjuster for personal injury claims as this can eliminate or greatly restrict your options for medical expense and treatment compensation with your claim.
Why an Attorney is Important
The insurance adjuster is going not going to offer you anything other than what you claim and typically the settlement will be lower than what you anticipate and expect. An attorney will be a strong advocate in ensuring that you get a fair settlement and that current and future medical expenses and damages are fairly compensated.
