When you have been injured in an accident, the last thing you need to do is fight with an insurance company. Yet, that is exactly what far too many people go through as they try to file a personal injury claim. Insurance companies remain in business by taking in more than they pay out in claims. That is where insurance adjusters enter – they’re the frontline soldiers in the battle to minimize payouts.
Understanding how to handle an insurance adjuster can make or break your claim. They are specially trained to use various strategies to reduce the amount they have to pay or to reject claims outright. For them, it is strictly business. For you, it can be very personal. Your health, your finances, and your future may all be at stake. That is why it’s so important to give yourself some knowledge about adjusters’ tactics and how to counter them.
A pro tip: The best way to deal with insurance adjusters is by hiring skilled lawyers like the ones at Apex Law Firm.
Read on to learn about the different strategies used by insurance adjusters to reduce your claim.
The Friendly Facade
Don’t fall for an adjuster’s friendly attitude. The tone will be friendly, but remember whose side they are always on: their employer’s.
What you can do: Be polite but cautious. Avoid both getting into personal details and admitting fault or blame. Simply state the facts from a jurisdictional standpoint about your injuries and the accident.
Lowball Initial Offers
One thing common with most adjusters is that they will always make a meager offer, hoping that you will accept a low offer because of monetary pressure or even ignorance about what your insurance claim is worth.
You should not jump at the first offer that comes your way. Take time to fully understand the extent of the injuries and the extent of the losses before entering into any kind of negotiation.
Requesting Recorded Statements
An adjuster may request a recorded statement and act like it is a routine request. It may be routine to them, but they are often really looking for inconsistencies that they can use against you.
Always refuse to provide a recorded statement before contacting an attorney. Otherwise, if you are required to do so, stick as closely as possible to neutral factual statements and avoid speculations.
Downplaying Long-Term Effects
Insurance companies would rather settle quickly, before the full extent of your injuries becomes known. They will even try to convince you that your condition will get much better sooner.
Wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement before settling for the compensation. This time, you will clearly know any long-term effects resulting from your injuries.
Misinterpreting Medical Records
Adjusters may also pick out parts of your medical records that tend to downplay your injuries or show them to be unrelated to your accident.
Keep detailed medical records, and get doctors to write clearly how your injuries relate to the accident.
Social Media Surveillance
Adjusters will usually look through claimants’ social media websites in an attempt to find something that discredits their claims relating to injury.
Be careful about what you post online when your case is pending. Even innocent posts can be misunderstood.
Disputing Liability
Adjusters may argue that their client was not entirely at fault or that you are partially to blame for the accident.
Gather strong evidence that supports your recollection of the events, including photographs, statements from eyewitnesses, or expert testimony.
Rushing the Settlement
Some adjusters may rush to settle your case before you understand your rights or know the full extent of your damages.
Take your time. Do not sign anything or agree to any settlement until you feel you know enough about what’s in it and what its repercussions will be.
Conclusion
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be tough; therefore, it is important to know the common tactics so you may better handle situations and protect your interests while fighting for your compensation.
Remember, you do not need to face this alone. If you find it too overwhelming or if you are not sure how to handle it to ensure the best outcome, consult an attorney specializing in personal injury cases. The attorney will give you quality advice, communicate with the insurance company, and make sure that your interests are protected in the claims process at all times.
