Working through a personal injury is quite stressful as is, but things become more difficult when insurers and their adjusters seek to reduce the compensation amount you are entitled to. Recognizing your rights and the ways adjusters can cheat helps you secure fair payment.
Insurance companies hire adjusters to evaluate claims that policyholders have submitted. Their core mandate is to investigate the facts behind a claim, decide what the insurer must pay, and propose a suitable settlement. Their duties involve inspection of documentation (medical reports and police reports), questioning parties involved and witnesses, and examining damage to property, where applicable.
Despite their claims of being objective, adjusters are always working in favor of the insurance company. Their goal is to minimize the company's financial exposure, so the offers they make are usually lower than what the victim might be eligible for. Adjusters are often evaluated based on how efficiently they can close claims and how much they save the company in payouts.
Adjusters can apply a range of methods to decrease the money offered to injury victims:
After an accident, an adjuster may offer a settlement amount that looks generous but is usually far less than what the victim should get. Quick settlement offers are created to handle cases early, even before the injuries and their expenses are fully understood.
Adjusters can ask for recorded statements by claiming they want more information about the incident. These recordings, however, can be used to detect inconsistencies or statements that can weaken the claimant's cause.
Adjusters might downplay the claim by making the injuries seem small or suggesting they happened before the accident. They could say that no treatment is required or that the damages call for less money.
It is common for insurance companies to slow down the process. They hope that the financial stress and high medical expenses will force claimants to accept smaller settlements. Ways a claim is put on hold might include taking a long time to respond, repeatedly demanding paperwork or conducting unnecessary investigations.
Here are some suggestions for looking out for yourself when dealing with insurance adjusters:
Don't make comments that might be understood as acknowledging responsibility for the accident. A simple comment, even the ones you make jokingly, could easily be misconstructed and used against you.
Release only essential information regarding the accident and your injuries. Refrain from speculation or opinions, which will be used to undermine your case.
Keep complete records of medical care, costs, communication with the insurance company, and any other related facts. Documenting these items can prove to be very useful in substantiating your claim.
A personal injury lawyer is the right choice to deal with insurance adjusters. They can increase your capacity to tackle tricky claims and negotiations. A lawyer makes sure that your rights are upheld and you get fair compensation. In situations like distracted driving law or participating in a firefighting foam settlement, a qualified lawyer can provide the necessary advice and representation.
Handling insurance adjusters requires caution and a knowledgeable strategy. Knowing their methods and employing defensive measures, you stand better positioned to receive fair compensation. Professional legal advice is usually the best method to secure your rights and effectively navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
