Insurance adjusters play an important role in the settlement process after an accident. Even though adjusters may seem helpful, their primary goal is to protect the insurance company at the expense of your compensation. Since these companies are businesses just like any other, they focus on maximizing profits by minimizing payouts.
Good personal injury lawyers understand all the tricks used by insurance adjusters. Like adjusters protect companies, a lawyer will work to protect your rights as their client.
In this article, we will discuss the common tactics insurance adjusters use. By understanding these tricks, you can learn how to protect your claim to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters may conclude that your medical records don’t match or support your pain levels or suggest your injuries are pre-existing. This tactic aims to reduce the compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
You can counter this by getting thorough medical documentation from a trusted healthcare provider. Keep detailed records of your treatment and, if necessary, get opinions from specialists to determine the long-term effects. By having strong evidence, adjusters will find it hard to minimize your injuries.
Quick Settlement offers
Insurance adjusters often push for a fast settlement immediately after an accident. They use this trick to catch you off-guard before you can fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. Unfortunately, victims fall for this trick because of the medical bills and frustrations surrounding these times. Most of the time, the offer is much lower than what you are legally entitled to.
Don’t rush to accept any offer without careful consideration. Consult with your lawyer or a financial advisor to see if the offer truly reflects your claim. Remember, accepting this offer might mean you are not entitled to any more compensation in the future.
Requesting Excessive Documentation
Adjusters may persistently ask for extra documentation, some of which can seem unnecessary. They may even request a recorded statement to get your side of the story. The main goal behind this is to get information that they can later use to undermine your claim. Adjusters may start pointing out discrepancies and frustrate you into taking a lower settlement.
To avoid falling for this trick, only provide what is required and ensure you have copies of everything for the sake of your records. Also, don’t issue a statement without having your lawyer present.
Shifting Blame for the Incident
Adjusters may try to pin some fault or fully blame you for the accident. They can use comparative negligence, which allows the company to reduce their settlement if the victim is found in any way at fault. If you are found over 50% negligent, you may lose all your compensation.
To avoid this, collect as much evidence as possible to prove your case. This includes photographs, videos, and even witness statements. Be very cautious about how you respond to adjusters and avoid statements that may make you look guilty.
Conclusion
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be very challenging, especially since they constantly try to reduce your payout. By spotting these tactics used, you can protect yourself. If you are ever in doubt, consult a professional lawyer to help you navigate the claims process.
Lawyers know all about the insurance adjusters’ tricks since they deal with them every day. They will formulate proper counter strategies. With the lawyer’s help, you can secure fair compensation that covers all your current and future losses.
An insurance adjuster may look like a friend, but they are not. After an accident, the only person you should trust is your personal injury lawyer.
