How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters
When you have been injured, you are likely dealing with different insurance adjusters, including yours and the other party’s. However, when you are hoping to file a personal injury claim, it is important to remember that you are not under any obligation to speak with the other party’s insurance adjuster. The most important thing to them is their company’s bottom line and making sure they are giving you as little compensation as they can get away with. When filing a personal injury claim, it is important to understand the role of the insurance adjuster. If you have suffered from an injury, contact our DC personal injury lawyer today.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
Typically, when a person is injured because someone else was being negligent, they will choose to file a personal injury claim. This is not anything personal and it is not a claim against the person. It is a claim against their insurance so that the victim in the accident can get the necessary compensation when they need to make up for lost wages or medical bills. Often, the other party’s insurance will provide an insurance adjuster who will likely reach out to you for a statement. This starts the negotiation process.
It is important to note that while insurance adjusters are not bad people, their job performance will be determined by how low of an offer they can get away with or if they can win by outright denying your claim. Your claim is likely one of close to 100 that the insurance adjuster gets every month and they need to clear these claims out as quickly as possible.
Can the Adjuster Make a Settlement or Do They Need Authorization?
It is always in your best interest to let your attorney handle speaking with the adjuster because they will want to record your statement and use anything they can to bring the settlement amount down. The adjuster does have the authority to settle over the phone for a certain dollar amount. This usually maxes out around $30,000 and you will not have any way of knowing what their limit is. It can be easy for them to push you into settling for an amount that will not cover all of the costs associated with your injuries.
This is why it is best to have your lawyer speak with them on your behalf. Your attorney can argue for a higher amount and the adjuster has the opportunity to speak with their manager about coming back with a higher amount.
If you have been in any kind of accident caused by the negligence of another party, don’t try to deal with the insurance company on your own. Contact The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated lawyer and get the financial compensation you deserve.
How Should I Respond After an Accident?
While all accidents are different, the general process of response should go as follows:
- Immediately attend to any health needs. Call paramedics if necessary, and do not attempt to move anyone who is seriously injured. If you are injured and are able to move, go to a hospital immediately.
- If injuries are not too severe, assess vehicular damage. Take photos and notes, and speak with any witnesses on the scene.
- If any damage will require an insurance claim, file a police report. This may be necessary for effective processing of the ultimate claim.
- Exchange insurance and contact information. If a claim needs to be filed, collecting this information will be vital in allowing your respective insurance agencies to deal with the rest of the process.
Taking Action with Our Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injuries are the most common type of civil claims today. This is largely because accidents can happen at any time. Before you know it, you could find yourself experiencing an accident that has left a significant impact on you. There are several ways that you might sustain an accident. If you have experienced damages, you will want to take the time to work with a personal injury lawyer who will help you to pursue your case. Unsure of whether you need a lawyer? Several situations may call for the help of The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., a team who can help you.
