Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be devastating. Medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of recovery can make navigating the complex process of working with insurers even harder.
The insurance adjuster is one of the most critical players in the insurance process, and it is important to understand their role and how to handle them effectively. The adjuster’s job is to evaluate claims and offer settlements. With proper understanding, your personal injury attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is an individual employed by an insurance company to evaluate the details of a claim. They assess the damages and losses resulting from the injury and determine how much compensation the insurance company should pay to the injured party. They also negotiate the settlement amount.
There are two main types of insurance adjusters:
- Field Adjusters: These adjusters conduct investigations, gather evidence, and assess the damage firsthand.
- Desk Adjusters: Desk adjusters handle claims primarily through phone calls and paperwork without needing to be physically present at the scene of the accident.
Regardless of their role, insurance adjusters are tasked with protecting the insurance company’s financial interests. This means that, although they may seem friendly and helpful, their goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay.
How Does an Insurance Adjuster Affect Your Personal Injury Claim?
An insurance adjuster has a significant impact on your personal injury claim. They decide whether or not your claim is valid and how much money you will receive. Here are the primary ways an adjuster can affect your case:
Claim Evaluation
The adjuster will assess the extent of your injuries and the damages resulting from the accident. They will review medical bills, treatment records, property damage, and lost wages to determine a compensation amount. They may also consider non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress, which may be more difficult to quantify.
Settlement Offer
Once the adjuster has reviewed all the evidence, they will make a settlement offer. This offer may be lower than what you might be entitled to. It’s important to remember that the first offer you receive is rarely the final one.
Negotiation
The adjuster will negotiate with you or your attorney to settle the claim. The initial offer may be low. The adjuster may use various tactics to reduce the payout. They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries, imply that you were partially at fault, or suggest that you are asking for more than what you are entitled to.
Delay Tactics
In some cases, insurance adjusters may attempt to delay the claims process. They may hope the claimant will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement. They may delay the release of records, request unnecessary documents, or fail to respond promptly. Remember, if an adjuster acts in bad faith, you may have a separate claim against the insurance company for this behavior.
How to Deal with an Insurance Adjuster
Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be tricky. It’s important to approach the situation with care and caution. Here are some strategies to help protect your interests:
Don’t Settle Too Quickly
It may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer that the adjuster gives you. It may be hard to resist if you are facing financial difficulties. However, you should never settle until you fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages. Accepting a quick settlement might mean you receive less compensation than you deserve.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements. While it may seem like a routine request, anything you say can be used against you. You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. Your attorney can guide you on what to say and what to avoid during discussions with the adjuster.
Understand the Adjuster’s Motivation
It’s essential to remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company. They aren’t on your side. Their goal is to minimize the payout for the insurance company. They want to protect the insurer’s financial interests. They may try to downplay your injuries or find reasons to reduce the amount of your claim.
Document Everything
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Keep detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and lost wages. If you can, gather photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. The more documentation you have, the more difficult it will be for the adjuster to dispute your claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
Working with an insurance adjuster after a personal injury can be complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we are here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. Our team has extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies. We ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.
Contact us today at (859) 550-2900 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can work with the insurance adjuster so you can focus on healing and recovering from your injuries.