When you get into an accident, dealing with injuries and damages can be overwhelming. To make things worse, you may get a call from an insurance adjuster right away. They might sound polite, helpful, and concerned about you. But here’s the truth: insurance adjusters don’t work for you. Their main job is to protect the insurance company’s money, not yours.
You may think they’re on your side, but you should be careful. Here are four reasons to stay cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters. We’ll also discuss how personal injury attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring you get fair compensation.
Adjusters Work to Protect the Insurance Company’s Profits
Insurance adjusters are not hired to help accident victims. Their loyalty is to the insurance company that pays them. The company wants to save money, and that means paying you as little as possible for your claim.
Adjusters will often look for ways to reduce the amount they owe you. For example, they might offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept before you know your injuries’ seriousness. They might delay your claim, so you get tired of waiting and agree to a lower payout.
Remember this: the insurance company is a business. Their goal is profit, not fairness.
They May Manipulate Your Statements to Reduce Liability
One of the first things an insurance adjuster might ask for is a recorded statement. They’ll say it’s part of their process. They’ll sound friendly as if they just want to understand what happened. But their questions can be tricky, and your answers may be used against you later.
Even innocent statements like “I’m feeling okay” or “It was partly my fault” can hurt your claim. For example, if you say you feel fine, the adjuster might argue that your injuries aren’t serious. If you apologize or admit fault, they may blame you for the accident and reduce or deny your payout.
To avoid this, be very careful about what you say. You don’t have to answer every question right away. It’s okay to say you’re not ready to talk yet.
They Might Pressure You into Quick Settlements
After an accident, you might feel stressed and worried about money. Insurance adjusters know this, and they often use it to their advantage. They might offer you a quick settlement, saying things like, “This is the best we can do,” or “It’s better to settle now than wait.”
At first, a quick settlement might seem like a good idea. But here’s the problem: you may not know the full cost of your injuries or repairs yet. Some injuries get worse over time, and medical bills can pile up. If you accept a small payout early, you can’t ask for more later—even if you end up needing more treatment.
Adjusters count on you being in a hurry. Don’t let them rush you into a decision that could cost you more down the road.
They May Downplay or Deny Valid Claims
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize the value of your claim. They might say your injuries aren’t bad or the damage isn’t as serious as you say. Sometimes, they’ll even question whether the accident caused your injuries at all.
For example, they might claim your back pain was from an “old injury” or that you don’t have enough proof to show the accident caused it. They’ll also ask for a lot of paperwork, hoping you’ll give up because it’s too much work.
It’s frustrating, but it happens all the time. The goal is to make you feel like your claim isn’t worth much, so you’ll settle for less—or give up entirely.
How You Can Protect Yourself
So, what can you do? Start by knowing that you have rights. You don’t have to let an insurance adjuster control the conversation. Here are a few tips to protect yourself:
- Be careful with what you say: Stick to basic facts, and don’t admit fault.
- Don’t rush into a settlement: Wait until you know how much your treatment and repairs will cost.
- Document everything: Keep records of your medical visits, repair bills, and any communication with the adjuster.
- Ask for time: You’re not required to make quick decisions.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
If you’ve been in an accident, having a lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. Here’s how they can help you:
- They handle the insurance company for you: You don’t have to deal with the adjuster’s tricks. Your attorney will speak to them directly and make sure your words aren’t twisted.
- They know how to calculate the true value of your claim: A lawyer will consider all your damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering—so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- They gather evidence to support your case: Attorneys collect medical records, witness statements, and accident reports to prove your claim is valid.
- They fight back against unfair offers: If the insurance company tries to offer you a low payout or deny your claim, a personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident can be tricky. They might sound like they’re on your side, but their main job is to protect the insurance company’s money. Whether it’s pressuring you for a quick settlement, twisting your words, or downplaying your injuries, they have the tools to pay you less than you deserve.
