After an accident, one of the first contacts you may have is with an insurance adjuster.
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Their role is to evaluate claims, gather information, and determine how much the company will pay. Understanding how adjusters operate can help you avoid mistakes that may affect your claim.
What an Insurance Adjuster Does
An insurance adjuster is responsible for reviewing the details of a claim.
This typically includes:
- reviewing accident reports
- speaking with involved parties
- evaluating medical records
- assessing liability and damages
The adjuster’s goal is to resolve the claim, often by negotiating a settlement.
Keep in Mind Who They Represent
It is important to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you.
Their objective is to limit the company’s financial exposure. This may include:
- questioning the severity of injuries
- disputing liability
- offering lower settlement amounts
Because of this, how you communicate with an adjuster can affect the outcome of your claim.
What to Expect During the Process
After an accident, an adjuster may contact you to:
- ask for a recorded statement
- request details about the accident
- discuss your injuries and treatment
- offer an initial settlement
These conversations are part of how the claim is evaluated.
Be Careful With Recorded Statements
Adjusters often ask for recorded statements early in the process.
These statements may be used to:
- identify inconsistencies
- assign partial fault
- minimize the value of a claim
Even small details can be taken out of context and used to challenge your case.
Avoid Admitting Fault
When speaking with an adjuster, avoid making statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility.
In Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, claims are affected by contributory negligence rules, which can prevent recovery if you are found even slightly at fault.
Because of this, even casual comments can have an impact on your claim.
How Adjusters Evaluate Claims
Insurance companies evaluate claims based on several factors, including:
- who is at fault
- the severity of injuries
- medical treatment and documentation
- impact on work and daily life
These factors are used to determine settlement value.
Early Settlement Offers
It is common for adjusters to make early settlement offers.
These offers may:
- come before the full extent of injuries is known
- not account for future medical care
- be lower than what the claim may be worth
Once a settlement is accepted, the claim is typically closed.
How This Relates to Liability
Before offering a settlement, the insurance company will evaluate who is responsible for the accident.
This is based on how liability is determined after an accident, including the role of negligence and available evidence.
If liability is disputed, the adjuster may attempt to reduce or deny the claim.
Protecting Your Claim
Dealing with insurance adjusters is a key part of the claims process.
Being aware of how adjusters operate can help you avoid mistakes and better understand how your claim is being evaluated. These issues often arise when someone is pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident, especially when liability or damages are contested.
If you have questions about dealing with insurance adjusters or believe you may have a case, contact the personal injury lawyers at Koonz for a free review your situation to help you understand your options.