When you file a personal injury claim after an accident, one of the first people you’ll deal with is an insurance adjuster. Understanding their role and motivation is crucial to protecting your interests and securing fair compensation for your injuries.
Insurance adjusters significantly impact your claim’s outcome, yet many accident victims don’t fully understand what these professionals do—or whose interests they truly represent. Let’s explore the world of insurance adjusters and how to effectively navigate your interactions with them.
Who Are Insurance Adjusters?
Insurance adjusters (sometimes called claims adjusters or claims representatives) work for insurance companies to investigate claims, determine liability, and negotiate settlements. They generally fall into three categories:
- Company Adjusters: Employees who work directly for the insurance company.
- Independent Adjusters: Contractors hired by insurance companies to handle claims, especially during high-volume periods.
- Public Adjusters: The only type that works for policyholders rather than insurance companies, typically hired in complex property damage cases.
After you file a claim, an adjuster will contact you to gather information about the accident and your injuries.
What Insurance Adjusters Actually Do
The insurance adjuster’s responsibilities include:
- Investigating the circumstances of your accident
- Reviewing police reports and medical records
- Interviewing witnesses and taking statements
- Determining who was at fault
- Calculating the value of your claim
- Negotiating a settlement
While adjusters may seem helpful and concerned about your well-being, it’s essential to remember their primary goal: to save their employer money by minimizing the amount paid on claims.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters use various strategies to reduce claim payouts, including:
1. Quick Settlement Offers
Adjusters often contact injured parties shortly after an accident with a fast settlement offer. These early offers typically come before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or long-term medical needs, and they’re almost always significantly lower than what your claim is actually worth.
2. Requesting Recorded Statements
Adjusters frequently ask for recorded statements, claiming they need them to “process your claim.” However, these statements can be used against you if you say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault or minimizing your injuries.
3. Requesting Broad Medical Authorizations
The adjuster may ask you to sign a medical authorization form that gives them access to your entire medical history, not just records related to your accident. They may then use pre-existing conditions or unrelated health issues to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
4. Delaying the Claims Process
Some adjusters deliberately drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll become financially desperate enough to accept a lower settlement.
5. Disputing Medical Treatment
Adjusters might question whether certain treatments were necessary or suggest your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
How to Protect Yourself When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
To ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries:
- Be careful what you say: Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice, and never admit fault or downplay your injuries.
- Don’t accept the first offer: Initial settlement offers are typically far below the true value of your claim.
- Limit medical authorizations: Only provide access to medical records directly related to your accident injuries.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with the adjuster, including dates, times, and what was discussed.
- Don’t sign anything without review: Have all documents reviewed by an attorney before signing.
- Know your claim’s value: Understand what your claim is worth, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
While minor injury claims with clear liability might be handled on your own, consider hiring an attorney if:
- Your injuries are significant or long-lasting
- Liability is disputed
- The insurance company denies your claim
- The settlement offer is too low
- The adjuster is using aggressive tactics
- Your case involves multiple parties
An experienced personal injury attorney understands how insurance companies operate and can level the playing field. They know how to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate effectively with adjusters to maximize your compensation.
Get Professional Help With Your Personal Injury Claim
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators trained to minimize payouts. While they may seem friendly and concerned, remember that their loyalty is to their employer, not to you.
At Dermer Law, we help injury victims across the United States understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. We know how to counter insurance adjuster tactics and fight for fair settlements that truly reflect the impact of your injuries.
Contact Dermer Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the insurance company alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you navigate the claims process with confidence.
