Worried about being contacted by the insurance adjuster? It's a normal feeling! Here are tips on how to handle the call.

If you have been involved in a car accident, you will receive requests from both your insurance company and the insurance company representing the other party. Both insurance companies are doing this with one goal in mind: minimize their payout on the claim. Follow this tip sheet to make sure you don't jeopardize your personal injury claim during a phone interview.

DO'S

• Write down the name, address and phone number of the insurance adjuster and the insurance company.
• Provide your full name, address and telephone number.
• Take notes of your conversation.
• Ask the adjuster if they are aware of any witnesses.
• Be very general when you describe your injuries. Tell the adjuster you will provide a complete, detailed, medical description of your injuries after you and your doctors have done a full assessment.
• Before the conversation it would be a good idea to read the following report that is available for free on our website www.allenflatt.com: "Giving A Recorded Statement In An Auto Accident Case"

DON'TS

• Do not agree to an audio tape recording of the conversation.
• Insurance adjusters will engage you in an informal conversation in an effort to relax you and get as many details about the accident as possible. Do not discuss anything but the basic facts of the accident: a) Where the accident occurred; b) Date and time of the accident; c) Type of accident - motor vehicle, slip and fall, etc.
• You do not need to provide details about your work, such as income, schedule or details of what you do at your job.
• Do not agree to anything.
• Do not sign anything.
• Do not answer family questions. You are under no obligation to give any information about your family.
• You are not obligated at this point to identify witnesses, or give your doctor names!