If you have been involved in a serious accident, chances are that you will be dealing with an insurance company at some point. And while it may seem like the adjusters assigned to your case are there to help you, it’s important to remember that they ultimately work for the insurance company, and their main goal is to minimize any potential payout from the company.
Unfortunately, this often means that personal injury victims do not receive the full compensation they deserve. That’s why it’s crucial to be cautious around insurance adjusters and seek legal representation from personal injury attorneys at Steffens Law Offices.
Read on to discover the top five reasons why you should be cautious and vigilant when dealing with insurance adjusters.
Reasons to Be Cautious Around Insurance Adjusters
Here are five key reasons why you should be cautious when handling insurance claims with adjusters:
Reason #1: They Are Not on Your Side
As mentioned earlier, insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their main goal is to protect the company’s interests. This means they might use insurance company tricks, such as downplaying the severity of your injuries or persuading you to accept a lower settlement. Remember, their job is to save the company money, not to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Reason #2: They Have Extensive Training and Experience
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals with years of experience in handling insurance claims. They know exactly how to negotiate and persuade you to accept a lower settlement. Without proper knowledge and guidance, it can be difficult to navigate the complex world of insurance claims on your own.
Reason #3: They May Use Your Statements Against You
Insurance adjusters will often try to get you to make statements that could potentially harm your case. They are skilled at twisting words and using them against you in order to discredit your claim and reduce the amount of compensation you receive.
When speaking with an adjuster, it’s important to be careful with what you say. Before making any official statements, it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney.
Reason #4: They May Delay the Process
Insurance adjusters know that time is often of the essence in personal injury cases, especially when it comes to medical treatment and bills. They may use delay tactics, such as requesting unnecessary documents or asking for repeated evaluations, in order to prolong the claims process and wear you down.
Reason #5: They May Pressure You Into Signing a Release
One of the main goals of an insurance adjuster is to get you to sign a release form, which essentially ends your case and prevents you from seeking further compensation. They may pressure you into signing by offering a quick settlement or making it seem like your only option. However, signing a release can be detrimental to your case and prevent you from receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Tips for Handling Insurance Adjusters
To protect yourself and your rights when dealing with insurance adjusters, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t provide any unnecessary information or make statements without consulting with a personal injury attorney first.
- Keep track of all communication with insurance adjusters, including phone calls and emails.
- Don’t sign anything without having it reviewed by an attorney. This includes medical release forms and settlement offers.
- Be cautious of any quick settlements offered by insurance adjusters. It’s important to consult with an attorney before accepting any offers.
- Seek legal representation from a trusted personal injury attorney like those at Steffens Law Offices for guidance and support throughout the claims process.
Conclusion
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially if you are also dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of an accident. That’s why it’s important to take caution when handling insurance claims and seek legal representation from experienced personal injury attorneys.