Suppose you were injured in a car accident, premises liability accident, or workplace accident. In that case, you may need to file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
One of the most essential characters in this process is the insurance adjuster.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters are typically employees of insurance companies. They help investigate and settle claims brought against the insurance company.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. Insurance companies are profitable companies that sustain their business by paying less in claims than they receive in premium payments.
Even when handling claims presented by their customers, their interests are uniquely opposite because the accident victim wants to obtain as much money as possible through the insurance claim. In contrast, the adjuster wants to minimize the payout.
How an Insurance Adjuster Handles Claims
Insurance adjusters work through insurance claims. Their specific involvement in the case may vary depending on which insurance company they work for.
However, their job duties include the following:
Gather Information
Insurance adjusters are generally assigned a case after a party calls the insurance company to report an accident. The insurance representative typically gets minimal information at the time of the report, but the adjuster may follow up to get a more detailed report.
The insurance adjuster may call the claimant and request a recorded statement.
For example, they may ask questions, such as:
- How did the accident occur?
- When and where did the accident occur?
- What speed was the driver going at the time of the accident?
- How did the accident happen?
- Were there any witnesses?
- Did you file a crash report with the police?
Personal injury lawyers generally do not recommend giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first, since insurance adjusters often use them against claimants.
Because insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, they look for inconsistencies, ways to blame the victim, or ways to minimize your claim. This is because insurance adjusters want to reduce the ultimate payout to the victim.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to protect the compensation you are owed.
Investigate Claims
Insurance adjusters may be involved in the investigation of a claim.
They may:
- Review accident reports
- Interview witnesses
- Request medical records
- Request video footage of the accident
- Review insurance policy language
Sometimes, the insurance adjuster may visit the accident scene or be present during the inspection of a motor vehicle that was reported damaged in the accident.
Respond to Claims
Insurance adjusters might also be responsible for responding to claimants’ questions about the status of their claims.
They may review insurance policies and send letters explaining why claims are denied or approved.
Negotiate Settlements
Insurance adjusters are often responsible for negotiating a settlement after determining that insurance coverage is available and applies to the claim.
Your personal injury attorney may present a demand letter explaining the accident, why it was the insured’s fault, and the compensation you want to receive for your claim in exchange for not suing the at-fault party.
The insurance adjuster may use computer programs to estimate how much the claim is worth and participate in several negotiations with your personal injury lawyer before a final settlement is reached.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Deal with Insurance Adjusters
Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the various tactics that insurance adjusters may use to minimize or deny claims. They can represent your interests and protect your legal rights.
If an insurance adjuster does not act appropriately, your lawyer can consider filing a bad-faith claim against them. This can subject the insurance company to damages and additional penalties.
When you hire a personal injury attorney for your case, they protect your legal rights.
For example, personal injury lawyers can help by:
- Handling communications with the insurance adjuster
- Proving liability with accident scene photos, accident reports, videos, electronic data information, or witness statements
- Accounting for your economic and non-economic damages related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering
- Funnelling important information to the insurance adjuster without providing blanket release forms to them, such as your medical records
- Reviewing your insurance policy
- Preparing customized demand packages for insurance companies
- Negotiating for fair compensation on your behalf
- Appealing insurance denials
At every stage of the personal injury claims process, your lawyer will work to protect your rights.
Contact the Galveston Personal Injury Attorneys at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
If you face an insurance claim after an accident, you do not have to go through the process alone. The experienced Galveston personal injury attorneys at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to stand up to the insurance adjuster on your behalf.
Call our office today at (409) 207-9299 for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
