If you have been injured in an accident, it is likely that the opposing party’s insurance company will contact you to discuss your claim. The insurance process can be tremendously complicated and an adjuster may rely on your lack of understanding to deny, reduce, or delay payment. How you choose to interact with an adjuster can greatly affect the outcome of your claim. Below, our blog covers five things that an insurance adjuster may not want you to know.
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An adjuster may not be looking out for your best interest:
At the end of the day, insurance adjusters work for companies which must make profits in order to stay in business. To this end, an adjuster may be looking for evidence to reduce your claim, thus saving the company money. While an insurance adjuster may appear friendly, it is important to keep your guard up and limit the information that you freely give. -
You do not have to accept initial offers:
While time does play a factor in the insurance claims process, you do not have to accept a claim that you feel is unfair or does not account for your damages. Adjusters may pressure you into accepting an offer quickly, before you look too closely at your claim or consider contacting an attorney. Adjusters are professional negotiators and the initial value offered may often leave money on the table. While the average person may not be able to identify what a fair settlement looks like, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help. -
Adjusters have undergone extensive training:
Insurance companies provide training for their adjusters in negotiation tactics, psychology, and insurance law. Make no mistake, adjusters are professionals and when you are speaking to a third-party adjuster, they are paying close attention for any opportunity to limit your claim. You do not have to deal with the other party’s insurance company without first consultingan attorney. -
Most statements are voluntary:
In an attempt to gather evidence which can help lowerthe value ofyour claim, an adjuster may request that you give a recorded statement. Although an adjuster may say this with authority, you do not have to comply. Remember that anything you say can be used against you and providing information to an adjuster opens up opportunities for self-incrimination. -
Insurance companies do not want you to hire a lawyer:
If you are unsure about what your options are or feel pressured to accept an offer, an insurance adjuster may have an easier time in persuading you to accept a settlement that isless thanwhat you deserve. A knowledgeable attorney can advise you during each step of the insurance claims process to see that you are treated fairly and that your interests are not overlooked.
Helping Personal Injury Clients Since 1983
After experiencing an accident, victims can be thrust into the insurance claims process with little to no experience as to how to handle the situation. It is normal to have questions and concerns about your claim. If you want answers, The Womac Law Firm is here to help. Our New Orleans personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for past clients.
Schedule a FREE consultation today and find out what it means to put the Womac on ‘em!
