When you file an insurance claim, you trust that the insurance adjuster will be fair and honest when assessing the damage and determining the settlement amount. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It is understandable to feel frustrated and even betrayed when dealing with insurance adjusters who may not always provide accurate information. While it is important to remember that not all insurance adjusters lie, there have been instances where their statements and actions have been misleading.
You should approach any interaction with an adjuster with caution to be aware of their potential bias towards protecting the insurance company’s interests. If you believe you are receiving unfair treatment or suspect an adjuster may lie to you, seeking legal counsel is advisable. Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They can advocate for you and challenge any dishonest tactics insurance adjusters employ.
Insurance Adjusters Serve the Interests of Their Employer
Insurance adjusters are employees of insurance companies whose primary responsibility is to investigate and evaluate insurance claims. While their role may seem impartial, it is essential to remember that their primary allegiance lies with their employer—the insurance company. Their ultimate goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays in claims. This strategy can create a conflict of interest and lead to tactics that may not always be in the claimant’s best interest.
You must also remember the insurance company’s role in your case. If you have suffered an injury in an accident, the insurance company represents the party responsible for your injuries. Insurance companies step into the role of the responsible party and try to settle the claim on their behalf. Even if you are dealing with an adjuster from your own insurance company, you cannot expect better treatment because insurance companies still do not like to pay large sums of money to anyone.
The insurance adjuster may present themselves as your friend or someone you can trust during the process. They may say whatever they can to assuage your concerns so they can serve the interests of their employer at your expense. Even when the insurance adjuster makes you a promise, you should not believe it. They have no incentive to do anything besides the best they can to save their employer money.
Why Insurance Companies Use Rough Tactics When Evaluating Claims
Insurance companies aim to maximize their profits, and one way they achieve this is by minimizing claim payouts. Insurance companies often use rough tactics when evaluating claims to undermine their validity and reduce the amount they have to pay. These methods can include delays, lowball offers, and challenging the severity of injuries or damages. By employing such tactics, insurance companies hope to settle claims for less than they are worth.
The insurance company wants to take advantage of you in settlement negotiations because it means that they can save money. The more they can keep from your premiums, the higher their profits. Paying your claim is an expense that the insurance company wants to minimize, and acting as the gatekeeper for their employer, the adjuster is the first line of defense.
How an Insurance Adjuster May Lie When Dealing with Your Case
While not all insurance adjusters lie outright, there are instances where their statements may be misleading or incomplete. One common way adjusters may lie is by downplaying the severity of injuries or damages. They may use vague language or dismiss medical evidence to suggest that your injuries are not as severe as they actually are, resulting in a lower settlement offer or a denial of your claim altogether.
Adjusters may also misrepresent policy terms or exclusions to avoid paying out on specific claims. An adjuster may wrongfully try to blame you for the accident, either in whole or in part, so their employer can avoid paying you entirely or try to give you less money than you otherwise deserve.
The problem is that you never quite know when an insurance adjuster is lying to you. It may not be until it is too late that you realize they did not tell you the truth. By that time, you may have settled your case for less than it is worth or missed a key deadline to file a lawsuit in court.
An Insurance Adjuster Does Not Need to Lie to Make Your Case More Difficult
Even if an adjuster does not lie outright, they can make your case more challenging. Adjusters may employ tactics such as delaying the claims process, requesting excessive documentation, or making unreasonable demands. These tactics can frustrate claimants and create barriers that discourage them from pursuing their claims further. While adjusters may not lie in these instances, their actions can make it incredibly difficult for claimants to receive the compensation they have a legal right to. All the insurance adjuster needs to do is introduce delaying tactics into your case to make your life more difficult. These delays may wear you down and make you accept less money than you deserve.
Once the Insurance Adjuster Has Your Version or Statement, It Is Hard to Take It Back
In the aftermath of an accident or injury, an insurance adjuster may contact you for information about your claim. It is important to remember that the adjuster can use anything you say against you. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions in a way that may lead you to provide answers that they can use to devalue or deny your claim. Retracting or clarifying any inaccuracies later can be difficult once you give a statement or version of events.
Insurance companies will act like they have it on record and use it against you whenever it suits their interests and purposes. Thus, it is essential to approach interactions with adjusters cautiously and consider seeking legal counsel before providing any statements.
How to Deal with the Insurance Adjuster Assigned to Your Case
Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights and maximize your chances of a fair settlement.
Here are some tips on how to effectively deal with the insurance adjuster assigned to your case:
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all communication with the adjuster, including dates, times, and summaries of the conversations. This documentation will allow you to track the progress of your claim and ensure that you have accurate information if any disputes arise later on.
- Do not provide recorded statements: Adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement about the accident or injury. It is advisable to avoid giving a recorded statement without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies can use recorded statements against you. These statements may also contain information that insurance companies can easily misinterpret or manipulate.
- Be cautious about signing documents: Adjusters may ask you to sign various documents related to your claim. Before signing anything, it is vital to read the documents thoroughly and understand their implications. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult an attorney before signing.
- Seek legal representation: If you feel overwhelmed or suspect the adjuster is not acting in good faith, hiring a personal injury attorney may be in your best interest. An attorney can communicate with the adjuster on your behalf, protect your rights, and guide you through the claims process.
What You Can Do if You Are Getting the Runaround from the Insurance Adjuster
If you find yourself getting the runaround from the insurance adjuster assigned to your case, there are steps you can take to escalate the situation and ensure that they are handling your claim properly:
- Request a supervisor: If you are unsatisfied with how the adjuster handles your claim, ask to speak with their supervisor. A supervisor may have more authority to resolve any issues or concerns you have.
- File a complaint: If the insurance adjuster is not addressing your concerns, you can file a complaint with the insurance company. Most insurance companies have a dedicated department for handling customer complaints. Make sure to provide all relevant details and documentation to support your complaint.
- Consult an attorney: If you feel the insurance adjuster is acting in bad faith or intentionally delaying or undervaluing your claim, it may be time to consult a personal injury attorney. An attorney can assess your situation, provide guidance on the best course of action, and advocate for your rights.
A Personal Injury Attorney is Your Advocate When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side is invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters. An attorney can level the playing field and ensure the insurance company is not exploiting you. They have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the claims process, negotiate with adjusters, and take legal action if necessary. By seeking legal representation, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
There is no reason to speak with an insurance adjuster on your own. They will get the better of you every time, costing you money. Instead, you should have a personal injury attorney communicating for you. If there is something that the insurance adjuster needs to know, your personal injury lawyer will say it on your behalf. When the insurance adjuster tries to contact you after hiring a personal injury attorney, you only need to tell them to speak with your lawyer, taking away their ability to deceive you.
You have enough things going on in your life after you have suffered an injury that you have to focus on instead of dealing with adjusters. You do not have the capacity or experience to handle the insurance adjuster, and you will certainly not beat them at their own game. They have little reason to fear you because there is no way that you can make them feel any consequences for their actions. Only the threat of a lawsuit can force the insurance company to respect your rights, and they will only see that threat once you have hired a personal injury lawyer to handle your case.
Given how persistent the adjuster may be in trying to reach you right after the accident and your inability to tell when they are lying, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Without legal representation, your legal rights are vulnerable and present grave risks to your case. Insurance adjusters are opportunists by nature, and they will always try to exploit the situation for the benefit of their employer.
A skilled attorney can provide guidance and protect your rights. Contact a personal injury lawyer near you to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you—get the legal representation you deserve.
A Personal Injury Attorney Works For a Contingency Fee
You may wonder how you can afford to hire an attorney to help you with your case. After all, medical bills and other expenses can quickly pile up, leaving you in a financial bind. The good news is that personal injury attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay anything upfront.
A contingency fee arrangement is a common practice among personal injury attorneys. It means that the attorney’s fee is contingent on the successful outcome of your case. In other words, if the attorney doesn’t win your case or secure a settlement on your behalf, you don’t owe them any legal fees.
Since the attorney’s fee depends on the outcome of your case, they have a strong incentive to maximize your compensation. They will work diligently to gather evidence, build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Don’t Fall Prey to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may lie to minimize the insurance company’s financial liability. They may downplay the damage or misinterpret policy language to limit your claim. You should consult an attorney who can advocate for you and challenge any dishonest tactics insurance adjusters employ. They can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
