When you file an injury claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate your accident, determine liability, calculate your damages and negotiate a settlement with you.
While some insurance companies’ practices are ethical and straightforward, others may put the company’s bottom-line ahead of the victims’ needs. The adjuster may try to apportion more blame to you than is appropriate or offer far less than what your claim is worth. It’s important to be on your toes and know how to deal with insurance adjusters so that you don’t hurt your chances for recovery.
Tips for Handling Insurance Adjusters
- If you are filing an injury claim, here are a few tips to keep in mind to better handle the adjuster.
- Understand that the value of the claim in negotiable. The adjuster’s evaluation is not foolproof, nor is it set in stone. You are involved in a negotiation, which means you can ask for more if the figure is insufficient. A good injury attorney can help you negotiate a higher settlement.
- Be polite with the adjuster. You want to keep negotiations open, not burn bridges. Treat the adjuster with courtesy and respond promptly to calls or requests. (Don’t, however, agree to a recorded statement without first having consulted a lawyer.)
- Keep notes of your communications with the adjuster. Jot down the date and time of calls, the adjuster’s name and the gist of the conversation. This info can come in handy if there’s a communication discrepancy or if your case needs to go to court.
- Collect evidence to support your claim. The more evidence you present to the adjuster, the more likely you are to win your claim. Gather medical records, police reports, witness information, proof of lost wages, damage estimates, receipts for miscellaneous injury-related expenses and anything else that might support your case.
- Do not be too quick to settle. Some adjusters will give you lowball offer, preying on the fact that you might need funds. You might be tempted to take the first settlement that the adjuster offers, but you do not want to settle until the doctors have fully assessed your condition and have made a solid prognosis. You will miss out on compensation for some of your damages if you settle too soon.
If you are filing an injury claim, we encourage you to call Our Legal Plan for help. If you decide to work with our trusted attorneys, we can negotiate with your adjuster and ensure they understand the full value of your claim. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can then help you start looking at appropriate legal actions to take. Contact us at 215-642-2335 to schedule a free consultation.
