Insurance adjusters exist for one purpose, and that’s to settle claims. That doesn’t sound so bad until you’re on the receiving end. They start off being very friendly, but before long you realize they’re out to get you to sign off on the lowest offer possible. When all you want is to get a fair settlement for the injury you suffered, the problem can get very complex, very fast.
Learning how to deal with these people requires a bit of information and understanding. Discover the details of “what is an insurance adjuster,” and learn why dealing with them will go much smoother if you have help from a personal injury lawyer.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
Answering the question, “what is an insurance adjuster?” is both simple and complex at the same time. Their basic job is to settle your insurance claim. They will be your point of contact with the insurance company. The trick is, they may not actually work directly for the insurer. Many claims adjusters—also called claims analysts, claims specialists or a library of other titles—are independent contractors.
Their goal is to settle as many claims as possible for as low a cost as possible. Insurance companies don’t like to pay out money. To that end, the adjuster may, in fact, have a limit between $5,000 and $20,000 on how much they can agree to pay. Going higher requires permission from the insurer. They’re also under pressure to settle as many as 100 claims per month or more.
Dealing with the Adjuster
Claims representatives have the authority to negotiate, but they’ll try any tactic to get you to settle. It usually starts with them acting like your friend (potentially the only one who cares). They’ll say they understand but really, this low offer is the only realistic offer you can get. If you refuse, they’ll get more insistent and some of them even resort to bullying, threats of going to court, or even trying to claim the accident may have been your fault.
The first thing to remember is, you shouldn’t take it personally. You know your claim better than they do, and they’re just trying to negotiate you down. You know what your injury is worth, the cost of your medical bills, your lost wages, and the damage to your life. Don’t ever sign off on a low offer, and don’t ever be afraid to say, “I’ll put you in touch with my attorney.”
Hiring a Winston-Salem Personal Injury Lawyer
Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to stop the harassment from insurance adjuster strong arm tactics. They can fight for your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights. They will work tirelessly to get you compensation for your lost wages and compensation, medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more.
If you’re in North Carolina and you need more information, don’t ask, “what is an insurance adjuster?” Instead, contact Lewis & Keller for a free case consultation today.
