If you tried to fight the insurance company before hiring an attorney you might be dealing with an insurance adjuster. People call our law firm up saying “Suzy Q. is my insurance adjuster and she won’t give me the money I need to get my car fixed or to pay my medical bills.” Others call and have no clue they even have an insurance adjuster, much less what their name is. Whether or not you know who or what an insurance adjuster is, it’s important you have an attorney fighting for you getting the money you deserve. It’s my job to beat the insurance adjuster. My job is to shed light on who an insurance adjuster is and what role they play in your car accident claim.
Who Is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is a professional employed by an insurance company. Their primary responsibility is to assess insurance claims and determine the amount of compensation that should be offered to the claimant. Insurance adjusters can work for the at-fault driver’s insurance company (the defendant’s adjuster) or the injured party’s insurance company (the plaintiff’s adjuster), depending on the situation.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Insurance Adjuster:
- Investigating the Accident: An insurance adjuster will thoroughly investigate the details of the accident. This may include reviewing the accident report, speaking with both parties involved, gathering witness statements, and examining any available evidence, such as photographs and medical records.
- Assessing Liability: The adjuster will determine who was at fault for the accident. This assessment plays a crucial role in deciding how much compensation, if any, will be offered to the injured party.
- Evaluating Damages: Once liability is established, the adjuster will evaluate the damages incurred by the injured party. This includes medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident.
- Negotiating Settlements: The adjuster is responsible for negotiating a settlement with the injured party or their attorney. They aim to reach a resolution that both parties find acceptable.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: The Adjuster’s Loyalty is to the INSURANCE COMPANY…NOT YOU.
It’s important to understand that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their primary loyalty is to their employer, and their goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays out in claims. This means that adjusters try to settle claims for as little as possible to protect the insurance company’s interests. Sometimes, they get bonuses for settling cases for low limits. Crazy right? You pay these companies in your time of need…and they work against you when the time comes when you need them. I will save my rant for another blog, but bottom line…they aren’t looking out for you despite their pretenses.
What can you do? LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD BY HIRING AN ATTORNEY! Here’s how:
- Experience and Expertise: We have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and can navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
- Protection of Your Rights: We ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process, helping you avoid potential pitfalls.
- Maximizing Compensation: We work to maximize the compensation you receive, taking into account all of your losses, including future medical expenses and long-term impacts.
- Legal Advocacy: If negotiations break down, we will represent you in court, advocating for your interests and pursuing a fair settlement or verdict.
Bottom line, it’s important to understand the role and, most importantly, the loyalty of the insurance adjuster when pursing a car accident claim. While adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, it’s essential to remember that they represent the insurance company’s interests. If you are fighting the car insurance adjuster and need help from an attorney call us today at 504-434-7000. During your free consultation we’ll talk in detail how we’ll make sure you receive the compensation you deserve following a car accident. Don’t rely on the insurance adjuster. Rely on us.