Insurance adjusters play a crucial role in the process of resolving auto injury claims. Adjusters are responsible for evaluating the damages and injuries sustained in an accident, negotiating a settlement with the injured party, and paying out the settlement to the injured party or their attorney.
While insurance adjusters are trained to handle these tasks fairly and objectively, there are certain tactics that some adjusters may use to minimize the payout on an auto injury claim. These tactics can be frustrating and confusing for injured parties, who may be unsure of how to respond or protect their rights.
Here are some common tactics that insurance adjusters may use in auto injury claims:
Delaying the claim process: Insurance adjusters may try to delay the claim process in order to wear down the injured party's resolve or to create an opportunity for the injured party to miss a deadline or make a mistake that could hurt their case. Adjusters may do this by asking for additional information or documentation, scheduling multiple meetings or phone calls, or failing to respond promptly to communication from the injured party or their attorney.
Offering a low initial settlement offer: Adjusters may try to lowball the injured party with a low initial settlement offer in the hopes that the injured party will accept it out of desperation or because they do not know their rights. Adjusters may also try to pressure the injured party into accepting the offer by suggesting that it is the best or only offer that will be made.
Disputing the extent of the injuries or damages: Adjusters may try to dispute the extent of the injuries or damages sustained in the accident, arguing that they are not as serious as the injured party claims. This can be especially difficult for injured parties who do not have detailed documentation of their injuries or damages. Adjusters may try to downplay the severity of the injuries by suggesting that they are not permanent or that they were pre-existing conditions. They may also try to minimize the amount of damages by disputing the cost of medical treatments or the value of damaged property.
Blaming the injured party for the accident: Adjusters may try to shift the blame for the accident onto the injured party in order to reduce the payout on the claim. This can be especially effective if the injured party does not have strong evidence to refute the adjuster's claims. Adjusters may try to argue that the injured party was driving recklessly, ignoring traffic laws, or engaging in other risky behaviors that contributed to the accident.
Using jargon or legal terms: Adjusters may use technical jargon or legal terms in an attempt to confuse or intimidate the injured party. This can be especially challenging for injured parties who are not familiar with the legal process or who may be suffering from the effects of their injuries.
To protect themselves from these tactics, injured parties should consider the following tips:
Keep detailed records: It is important for injured parties to keep detailed records of their injuries, damages, and medical treatments. This can help strengthen their case and make it harder for an adjuster to dispute the extent of their injuries or damages.
Seek legal advice: Lawyers have seen these tactics employed time and time again and know how to approach adjusters accordingly.
Be careful what you say or post online: Insurance companies are on the prowl for unfavorable content online or a mistep in wording when you give recorded statements.
Call Apex Law Firm today to get a free consultation and discuss an approach to your case.
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