The right way to take care of insurance coverage adjuster after automobile accident is an important facet of navigating the often-complex and doubtlessly adversarial world of post-accident claims. This information will dissect the method, from preliminary steps to dealing with disputes, emphasizing the significance of meticulous documentation and a strategic strategy to safe honest compensation.
The insurance coverage business’s opaque practices typically go away victims susceptible. This information empowers people to navigate the system successfully, making certain their rights are protected. Understanding coverage intricacies, communication methods, and proof gathering is paramount to attaining a positive final result. This isn’t merely a matter of filling out types; it is about asserting your place and maximizing your restoration.
Preliminary Steps After an Accident
Navigating the fast aftermath of a automobile accident requires a measured and methodical strategy. Panic and haste can cloud judgment and result in crucial errors within the preliminary levels. A well-defined process, encompassing documentation, communication, and authorized reporting, is essential for making certain a clean and efficient decision to the incident. This strategy is important for safeguarding one’s rights and pursuits.Understanding the fast steps following a collision is paramount to safeguarding one’s place through the subsequent insurance coverage declare course of.
A scientific strategy minimizes potential pitfalls and maximizes the possibilities of a positive final result.
Documenting the Scene
Thorough documentation of the accident scene is indispensable for precisely representing the circumstances. Detailed photographic and video proof offers a tangible file of the accident’s impression. This visible file is invaluable in establishing a transparent timeline and context for the incident. It serves as a crucial piece of proof in later declare proceedings. The standard of the documentation immediately impacts the persuasiveness and reliability of the proof introduced.
- Seize pictures and movies of the broken autos, the encircling setting, seen skid marks, and the positions of the autos after the impression. These visible information are crucial for establishing the circumstances of the accident and for offering context to the insurance coverage adjusters. Think about together with close-up photographs of any seen injury to the autos, the highway situations, and another related particulars on the scene.
- Doc any accidents sustained. Images of accidents, together with descriptions of the accidents and their severity, are necessary. This helps set up the extent of the hurt and its correlation to the accident.
- Notice the time and date of the accident. This factor is essential for establishing a timeline of occasions and for confirming the incidence of the accident. This helps in establishing a transparent timeline for the incident.
Exchanging Data
Immediate and correct info alternate with different drivers concerned within the accident is crucial. This course of ensures the correct identification of all events and facilitates a transparent understanding of the occasions that transpired. Failing to alternate pertinent info can considerably hinder the declare course of. A complete alternate of data promotes transparency and facilitates environment friendly communication.
- Receive the opposite driver’s title, deal with, contact info (telephone quantity and e mail), insurance coverage firm particulars, and license plate quantity. This info is essential for submitting a declare and coordinating the investigation.
- Alternate car info, together with make, mannequin, 12 months, and VIN (Car Identification Quantity). This offers essential particulars for insurance coverage functions.
- Notice any statements made by the opposite driver(s). Report any statements, together with explanations of the incident’s trigger, in a transparent and concise method. This helps keep a transparent file of the statements.
Reporting to Authorities
Reporting the accident to the suitable authorities is a legally mandated step and important for finishing the declare course of. This formal documentation ensures that the accident is formally acknowledged and recorded. This step helps keep transparency and accountability. Following the prescribed reporting procedures can stop delays or issues within the declare course of.
- Contact native legislation enforcement or emergency providers to report the accident. This course of helps facilitate a proper report and ensures the incident is recorded formally.
- Receive a police report if requested or required. A police report could be a beneficial piece of proof within the insurance coverage declare course of. It paperwork the official evaluation of the accident and offers necessary particulars relating to the circumstances.
- Adhere to any particular directions or necessities offered by the native authorities relating to accident reporting.
Instant Actions, Contact Data, and Essential Paperwork
Instant Actions | Contact Data | Essential Paperwork |
---|---|---|
Name emergency providers if wanted. | Emergency providers contact info | Insurance coverage coverage particulars |
Doc the scene (photographs/movies). | Insurance coverage agent contact info | Driver’s license |
Alternate info with different drivers. | Native legislation enforcement contact info | Car registration |
Report the accident to authorities. | Witness contact info (if relevant) | Images/movies of the scene |
Understanding Insurance coverage Insurance policies
Insurance coverage insurance policies are essential paperwork that delineate the phrases and situations of protection for numerous occasions, together with automobile accidents. A radical understanding of those insurance policies empowers people to navigate the claims course of successfully and precisely assess their rights and obligations. Information of the particular protection sorts and their limitations is important to make sure honest compensation and keep away from misunderstandings with insurance coverage adjusters.A nuanced comprehension of insurance coverage insurance policies permits people to successfully negotiate with adjusters, doubtlessly maximizing compensation whereas mitigating potential dangers.
This understanding, when coupled with meticulous documentation and clear communication, strengthens the claimant’s place and enhances the possibilities of a positive decision.
Completely different Kinds of Insurance coverage Protection, The right way to take care of insurance coverage adjuster after automobile accident
Insurance coverage insurance policies embody numerous kinds of protection, every with particular stipulations. Understanding these distinctions is pivotal to evaluating the extent of safety afforded by a coverage and its implications for accident claims. The first coverages typically embody legal responsibility, collision, and complete.
- Legal responsibility insurance coverage, a basic facet of most insurance policies, covers damages incurred by others within the occasion of an accident. This insurance coverage protects towards monetary repercussions stemming from accidents or property injury attributable to the policyholder. A typical instance is when a driver causes an accident, and the opposite occasion’s automobile is broken or the driving force suffers accidents. Legal responsibility protection will cowl the injury carried out to the opposite occasion’s property and potential medical bills.
- Collision insurance coverage covers injury to the policyholder’s car no matter fault. Such a protection is activated when the policyholder’s car is concerned in an accident, regardless of whether or not they had been at fault. A key characteristic is its potential to compensate for damages to the insured car even when the accident was attributable to one other occasion.
- Complete insurance coverage offers protection for damages to the policyholder’s car that end result from occasions apart from collisions, equivalent to theft, vandalism, or weather-related incidents. This type of safety provides a security internet towards a broad vary of unexpected occasions, considerably safeguarding the policyholder’s funding of their car.
Position of Coverage in Figuring out Legal responsibility and Compensation
Insurance coverage insurance policies immediately affect the willpower of legal responsibility and the quantity of compensation awarded in accident claims. The particular phrases and situations throughout the coverage dictate the scope of protection and the bounds of economic duty.
- Coverage provisions Artikel the circumstances below which protection applies. Understanding these provisions is important for precisely assessing the potential for compensation and anticipating potential limitations. These provisions sometimes Artikel the specifics of what the insurance coverage will and won’t cowl.
- Coverage limits outline the utmost quantity the insurer pays for a given declare. Realizing these limits is significant for managing expectations and navigating the declare course of. Exceeding these limits would possibly require supplementary preparations or different methods.
Acquiring Coverage Particulars
Gathering coverage particulars from all concerned events is essential for an intensive understanding of the protection. This step ensures an correct evaluation of the liabilities and potential compensation.
- Requesting copies of the related insurance coverage insurance policies from all events concerned permits for an in depth examination of protection provisions, limits, and exclusions. This step is important for establishing the context of the scenario and figuring out the extent of protection.
Comparability of Insurance coverage Coverage Sorts
The nuances between legal responsibility, collision, and complete insurance coverage are crucial for navigating accident claims. Completely different coverage sorts supply various levels of safety, and understanding these distinctions is significant for claimants.
Insurance coverage Sort | Protection | Instance | Implications for Accident Claims |
---|---|---|---|
Legal responsibility | Covers injury to different events’ property or accidents attributable to the policyholder. | A driver hits one other automobile, inflicting injury. | Covers the opposite driver’s damages however not the policyholder’s car. |
Collision | Covers injury to the policyholder’s car no matter fault. | A driver’s automobile is broken in an accident. | Covers the policyholder’s automobile no matter who’s at fault. |
Complete | Covers injury to the policyholder’s car from occasions apart from collisions. | A automobile is broken resulting from vandalism. | Covers the policyholder’s automobile in occasions past a collision. |
Speaking with the Adjuster

Navigating the complexities of an insurance coverage declare after a automobile accident calls for a measured and strategic strategy. Efficient communication with the adjuster is paramount to a clean and equitable decision. A well-articulated {and professional} response to the adjuster’s inquiries can considerably affect the end result of the declare.
Finest Practices for Communication
Efficient communication with an insurance coverage adjuster necessitates a measured and strategic strategy. Avoidance of emotional outbursts and sustaining a peaceful demeanor are essential. Documentation of all interactions, together with dates, instances, and particular particulars mentioned, is important. This complete file serves as a beneficial reference ought to any discrepancies come up.
Sustaining a Skilled Demeanor
Sustaining knowledgeable and calm demeanor is significant when interacting with an insurance coverage adjuster. An emotional outburst can jeopardize the declare and create a unfavourable impression, hindering the method. A measured and picked up response, even when confronted with difficult questions or conditions, fosters a productive dialogue. This strategy ensures a extra favorable final result and respects the skilled relationship required.
Documentation Methods
Thorough documentation of all interactions with the adjuster is important. This contains protecting detailed information of conversations, emails, and any correspondence. Dates, instances, names of people concerned, and particular subjects mentioned needs to be meticulously famous. This detailed file turns into a useful instrument for reference ought to any disputes or disagreements come up. Furthermore, documenting the bodily injury to the car with pictures and an in depth description enhances the declare’s credibility and effectivity.
Do’s and Don’ts of Communication
- Do: Clearly and concisely articulate your perspective, offering particular particulars in regards to the accident, the damages incurred, and the associated bills. Adhere to the established communication channels and reply promptly to inquiries.
- Do: Ask clarifying questions to make sure an entire understanding of the adjuster’s requests and considerations. This demonstrates attentiveness and promotes readability.
- Do: Keep a well mannered and respectful tone all through the interplay. Even in difficult conditions, professionalism and courtesy are paramount.
- Do not: Categorical anger, frustration, or any type of hostility. These feelings can considerably impede the declare’s progress and injury the connection with the adjuster.
- Do not: Settle for any settlement supply with out totally understanding its phrases and situations. Searching for unbiased authorized recommendation if crucial is all the time advisable.
- Do not: Present statements which are inconsistent or inaccurate. Keep honesty and transparency all through the method.
Efficient Communication Strategies
Efficient communication with an adjuster includes lively listening, clear articulation, and a respectful tone. A ready checklist of the damages incurred, together with restore estimates, and supporting documentation equivalent to medical payments or wage loss statements, considerably strengthens the declare. Utilizing clear and concise language, avoiding jargon, and offering correct info are key methods. Examples of efficient communication embody:
- Clearly stating the details of the accident, utilizing impartial language.
- Offering correct and full particulars of the damages.
- Protecting a file of all interactions, together with dates, instances, and the names of people concerned.
- Searching for clarification on any unclear factors or requests.
Gathering Proof and Documentation: How To Deal With Insurance coverage Adjuster After Automotive Accident
The method of navigating an insurance coverage declare after a automobile accident hinges critically on meticulous documentation. Thorough proof gathering will not be merely a formality; it types the bedrock of a compelling case, bolstering your place and making certain a simply decision. The standard and completeness of your documentation immediately correlate with the probability of a positive final result. This meticulous strategy ensures that your declare is supported by irrefutable proof, mitigating potential disputes and facilitating a smoother course of.A complete strategy to documentation goes past merely recording the details.
It includes a proactive and arranged technique for preserving and cataloging all related info. This meticulousness is essential for establishing a transparent timeline, verifying accounts, and in the end, securing a good settlement. The extra detailed and complete the proof, the extra successfully it might probably help your declare.
Significance of Complete Documentation
Correct and full documentation is paramount in successfully supporting your declare. It offers a concrete and verifiable file of occasions, making certain that your account is meticulously documented and serves as an goal reference. This documentation is significant for establishing causality, figuring out legal responsibility, and in the end, attaining a good decision. With out meticulously documented proof, your declare might be susceptible to challenges and doubtlessly result in a much less favorable final result.
Paperwork to Collect
A well-structured strategy to documentation includes compiling a complete checklist of related paperwork. This meticulous strategy ensures that each one crucial info is gathered and readily accessible. This complete strategy ensures a strong basis to your declare. The next checklist offers a framework for gathering essential proof:
- Police Report: The official police report, when obtainable, is an important doc that objectively particulars the circumstances of the accident, together with contributing elements, witness statements, and a file of the reported injury. This official doc typically serves as a major supply of data within the declare course of.
- Medical Information: Documentation of any accidents sustained, together with remedy obtained and medical payments, is indispensable. These information present concrete proof of the extent and nature of your accidents, which may immediately affect the settlement quantity. Medical information supply quantifiable proof of the accidents sustained.
- Restore Estimates: Detailed restore estimates from trusted mechanics, meticulously outlining the mandatory repairs and their related prices, are important. These estimates supply a verifiable and quantified measure of the injury to your car, contributing considerably to a good settlement. This tangible proof helps to help the financial worth of the damages incurred.
- Witness Statements: Receive written or recorded statements from any witnesses who noticed the accident. These statements function unbiased accounts of the incident, corroborating or contradicting your model of occasions. These statements supply beneficial insights and assist set up a clearer image of the accident’s development and contributing elements.
- Images and Movies: Doc the accident scene, together with injury to autos and the encircling space. Images and movies function highly effective visible aids that present a concrete file of the incident. These visible information assist to objectively assess the injury and the scene of the accident.
Preserving Proof from the Accident Scene
The accident scene itself is a crucial supply of proof. Preserving this proof is paramount to precisely documenting the accident’s development and related elements. It’s important to meticulously doc the accident scene to help the declare and the related proof.
- Instant Documentation: Take pictures and movies of the accident scene instantly after the occasion, capturing the positions of autos, particles, and any seen injury. This fast documentation serves as a vital file of the accident scene.
- Detailed Notes: Report detailed notes of the scene, together with climate situations, highway situations, visibility, and the positions of autos. This detailed file helps in establishing an entire image of the accident.
Correct Documentation and Declare Help
Correct documentation is the cornerstone of a profitable insurance coverage declare. The accuracy and completeness of the documentation considerably affect the end result of your declare. A meticulous strategy to proof gathering is crucial in securing a good settlement.
Class of Proof | Strategies for Acquiring |
---|---|
Police Report | Request from the related authorities |
Medical Information | Receive out of your medical supplier |
Restore Estimates | Request from an accredited mechanic |
Witness Statements | Receive written or recorded statements |
Accident Scene Images/Movies | Take fast photographs and movies |
Negotiating a Honest Settlement

The method of negotiating a good settlement after a automobile accident calls for a nuanced understanding of each authorized rights and sensible methods. It’s a crucial juncture the place the meticulous documentation and proof gathered beforehand come into play. A well-prepared and strategically approached negotiation can typically result in a extra favorable final result than a passive acceptance of an preliminary supply.
This part delves into the artwork of negotiation, exploring important methods, and offering examples to light up the method.
Understanding Your Rights and Obligations
Understanding your rights and obligations is paramount in any negotiation. This includes realizing the specifics of your insurance coverage coverage, together with protection limits and exclusions. Moreover, it’s essential to acknowledge the authorized framework governing your jurisdiction, significantly regarding legal responsibility and damages. Familiarizing your self with these particulars empowers you to make knowledgeable selections all through the negotiation course of. Realizing your rights permits for a proactive strategy reasonably than a reactive one.
Equally, understanding your obligations as a celebration within the accident, equivalent to reporting the accident to your insurance coverage firm promptly, helps you navigate the method easily.
Methods for Presenting a Robust Case
A robust case hinges on a complete presentation of the accident’s circumstances, supported by verifiable proof. This contains medical information, police stories, witness statements, and images of the injury to the autos. The small print of the accident, equivalent to the placement, time, and contributing elements, needs to be meticulously documented. The technique ought to embody an evaluation of the opposing occasion’s potential arguments and a proactive response.
For instance, if the opposing occasion claims that the accident was your fault, proof equivalent to dashcam footage or witness statements corroborating your model of occasions can considerably bolster your place.
Ways for Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiation techniques require a mix of firmness and adaptability. Beginning with an affordable however agency preliminary demand primarily based in your documented damages is essential. Researching comparable instances to determine a good worth vary for damages may also help. Energetic listening and understanding the adjuster’s perspective is important. Be ready to compromise, however by no means compromise your core calls for.
Think about providing concessions in areas the place your case is much less strong, whereas remaining agency on key facets of your declare. A structured and arranged strategy is vital.
Examples of Profitable Settlement Negotiations
Quite a few profitable settlement negotiations depend on a complete understanding of the scenario, detailed documentation, and a proactive strategy. For instance, a case the place a driver suffered vital accidents and misplaced wages, supported by detailed medical information and employment verification, might end in a considerable settlement. Equally, a scenario the place a minor car accident resulted in average damages and only some hours of misplaced time, might result in a settlement reflecting the diminished injury.
Profitable outcomes are usually not merely in regards to the damages incurred but in addition in regards to the power of the case and the negotiation expertise employed.
Negotiation Methods, Potential Objections, and Counterarguments
Negotiation Technique | Potential Objections | Counterarguments |
---|---|---|
Preliminary Provide Primarily based on Thorough Documentation | “The damages are exaggerated.” | Current supporting proof equivalent to restore estimates, medical payments, and misplaced wage statements. |
Energetic Listening and Understanding the Adjuster’s Perspective | “Your declare will not be substantiated.” | Reiterate the details of the accident, referring to the proof gathered. Emphasize the credibility of the witnesses. |
Compromise in Non-Essential Areas | “Your calls for are unreasonable.” | Clarify the rationale behind your calls for, citing comparable instances and supporting documentation. |
Sustaining a Agency Place on Core Calls for | “We can’t meet your calls for.” | Current additional proof to help the validity of your declare, and doubtlessly search knowledgeable authorized recommendation. |
Dealing with Disputes and Submitting Claims
Navigating the complexities of insurance coverage claims after an accident necessitates a structured strategy. Understanding the formal declare course of, dispute decision avenues, and escalation protocols is essential for attaining a good final result. This part offers an in depth framework for successfully managing disputes and making certain your rights are protected.A well-defined technique for dealing with insurance coverage disputes after a automobile accident can considerably impression the eventual settlement.
This technique ought to incorporate a methodical strategy to submitting claims, resolving disputes, and escalating considerations when crucial. Proactive engagement with the insurance coverage firm and documentation of all communications will strengthen your place and enhance the probability of a positive decision.
Formal Insurance coverage Declare Submitting
The method of formally submitting an insurance coverage declare varies by insurer however sometimes includes offering detailed details about the accident, together with the date, time, location, and contributing elements. Important documentation typically contains police stories, medical information, restore estimates, and witness statements. Thorough documentation is crucial for supporting your declare and making certain a clean declare course of. Insurers typically have particular types and procedures; adherence to those pointers will expedite the declare course of.
Failure to observe these pointers might end in delays or rejection of the declare.
Dispute Decision Choices
A number of avenues exist for resolving disputes with an insurance coverage firm. Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are widespread choices. Negotiation includes direct communication with the adjuster to achieve a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation includes a impartial third occasion facilitating communication and settlement. Arbitration, a extra formal course of, includes an neutral arbitrator making a binding choice.
Every choice presents a definite strategy to battle decision, and the choice will depend on the complexity of the dispute and the specified stage of ritual.
Escalating Disputes to Greater Ranges
Escalating a dispute throughout the insurance coverage firm includes contacting higher-level representatives. This typically requires following a particular protocol Artikeld by the insurance coverage firm, which often contains contacting a supervisor or claims supervisor. Documentation of all earlier communications and makes an attempt at decision needs to be maintained for readability and consistency. Every step needs to be meticulously documented.
Position of Authorized Counsel in Resolving Disputes
Authorized counsel can play a pivotal function in resolving disputes with insurance coverage corporations. Attorneys can present steering in your rights, overview documentation, negotiate with the insurer, and signify you in formal proceedings if crucial. Authorized illustration could also be helpful in advanced or protracted disputes, the place a specialised authorized perspective is required. Consultations with authorized counsel are advisable to find out the need of authorized illustration primarily based on the particular circumstances.
Dispute Escalation Process
A structured process for escalating disputes is important. This process ought to Artikel deadlines for every escalation step. A transparent file of every communication, together with dates, instances, and names of people contacted, needs to be maintained. A timeline with particular deadlines and escalation steps will be sure that the method is carried out successfully and effectively. Examples embody preliminary contact with the adjuster, adopted by a written criticism to the claims supervisor, and in the end, searching for authorized counsel if crucial.
The timeline ought to mirror the urgency of the scenario and the complexity of the dispute.
Coping with Emotional Misery
The aftermath of a automobile accident might be profoundly unsettling, extending past the bodily injury to embody a spread of emotional responses. Nervousness, stress, and even post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD) can manifest, impacting the power to navigate the insurance coverage declare course of successfully. Understanding and proactively managing these emotional responses is essential for a clean and wholesome restoration.The emotional toll of an accident might be vital, affecting a person’s psychological well-being and hindering their potential to focus on the sensible facets of the declare.
Coping mechanisms and help methods are important to navigating this difficult interval. Recognizing the significance of emotional well being alongside the logistical facets of the declare is paramount to attaining a constructive final result.
Managing Stress and Nervousness
Efficient stress administration methods are important for navigating the emotional complexities of an insurance coverage declare. Deep respiratory workouts, mindfulness practices, and progressive muscle leisure may also help mitigate stress responses. Common bodily exercise, a balanced eating regimen, and ample sleep additional contribute to emotional well-being. These methods may also help people keep grounded and keep a way of management throughout a tumultuous time.
Coping Methods for Emotional Impression
Creating wholesome coping mechanisms is crucial in addressing the emotional fallout of an accident. Journaling, participating in artistic retailers like artwork or music, or spending time in nature might be efficient methods. Figuring out and acknowledging emotional responses, with out judgment, is a key first step. Searching for help from trusted people or professionals can even supply beneficial perspective and steering.
Significance of Searching for Help
Isolation throughout a troublesome time can exacerbate emotional misery. Leaning on mates, household, or help teams offers a vital community of understanding and empathy. Shared experiences and emotional validation can considerably contribute to the therapeutic course of. Confiding in trusted people can foster a way of safety and cut back emotions of isolation.
Searching for Remedy or Counseling
Skilled assistance is invaluable for navigating the complexities of emotional misery following an accident. Remedy or counseling can present a secure area to course of feelings, develop coping mechanisms, and deal with underlying anxieties or traumas. A therapist may also help people establish and handle their emotional responses, and create methods for future resilience. The method of searching for remedy might be seen as a proactive step in direction of restoration and an indication of power.
Sources for Emotional Help and Psychological Well being
A community of sources is accessible to help emotional well-being. Area people facilities, hospitals, and psychological well being organizations typically present info and referrals. On-line platforms additionally supply a spread of sources and help teams. Accessing these sources can facilitate a path towards therapeutic and restoration.
- Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness (NAMI): Supplies info, help teams, and academic sources for people and households affected by psychological sickness. Their web site provides accessible info and connections to native chapters.
- The Disaster Textual content Line: Presents 24/7 disaster help via textual content messaging. This accessible methodology might be significantly useful for these experiencing fast misery.
- The Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Providers Administration (SAMHSA): Supplies a nationwide helpline and on-line sources for psychological well being and substance use issues. This complete useful resource is available to people searching for help.
- Native Psychological Well being Organizations: Many communities have native organizations devoted to psychological well being help. These organizations can present beneficial sources, together with help teams, counseling referrals, and academic applications.
Final Phrase
Efficiently navigating the insurance coverage declare course of after a automobile accident requires a mix of meticulous record-keeping, strategic communication, and a agency understanding of your rights. This information offers a framework for victims to strategy the method proactively, making certain they don’t seem to be caught off guard or exploited by the system. In the end, preparedness and assertiveness are key to securing a simply and well timed decision.
Useful Solutions
What if I haven’t got all of the required documentation instantly?
Search to acquire the mandatory paperwork as quickly as doable. Delaying the declare course of can negatively impression your case. Inform the insurance coverage adjuster of any excellent documentation and request an affordable extension.
How can I decide the legal responsibility in a multi-vehicle accident?
Thorough documentation of the accident scene, together with witness statements and police stories, is crucial. Understanding your state’s site visitors legal guidelines and potential contributing elements will show you how to perceive legal responsibility.
What are my choices if the insurance coverage firm provides a low settlement?
Researching comparable settlements for comparable accidents in your space can strengthen your negotiating place. Think about consulting with a authorized skilled to guage the supply and discover your choices for pursuing the next settlement.
How lengthy does the insurance coverage declare course of sometimes take?
The timeframe for a declare will depend on a number of elements, together with the complexity of the case, the supply of proof, and the insurance coverage firm’s processing time. Be ready for a doubtlessly prolonged course of and keep open communication with the adjuster.