What’s the first thing a victim does after an accident? Usually, it’s either call or receive a call from an insurance adjuster. Unfortunately, what seems like standard operating procedure is in fact a devious strategy to negate fair compensation!
The expert lawyers at sullivangalleshaw.com have long identified cases where people have been unfairly given a lower compensation, purely because the insurance adjuster managed to intimidate them. It’s absolutely essential that you avoid making such an error if you find yourself in this position. Here’s why…
Insurance Adjusters Are Not on Your Side
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their primary goal is to minimize the amount the company pays out in claims. They are trained to protect the company’s financial interests, not to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. When you speak to an adjuster, remember that they are not acting in your best interest.
Risk of Misconstrued Statements
Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used against you. Even seemingly innocent statements can be misconstrued to undermine your claim. For example, an offhand comment about feeling “fine” shortly after the accident can be used to argue that your injuries are not severe. Insurance adjusters are skilled at asking leading questions that can trap you into making statements that harm your case.
Pressure and Intimidation Tactics
Insurance adjusters often employ pressure and intimidation tactics to get you to settle quickly and for less money than you deserve. They might imply that delaying your statement or claim will hurt your case or that the initial offer is the best you will get. This can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
Negotiation Skills
Negotiating with an insurance adjuster requires skill and experience. Lawyers are trained negotiators who understand the tactics used by insurance companies and know how to counter them effectively. They can assess the true value of your claim, taking into account all medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future costs.
Lack of Fair Compensation
Without legal representation, it’s challenging to know if the settlement offered by the insurance company is fair. Insurance adjusters often start with lowball offers, hoping that victims will accept them without question. Lawyers can review the offer and provide an accurate assessment of what your claim is truly worth.
What should you do? The most important step is to contact a lawyer. These experts are on your side, and thus can work with you to get the compensation you deserve. So don’t call insurance adjusters, call up a lawyer!