Insurance Adjuster

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If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you’ll probably have to deal with an insurance adjuster. These are the people who handle claims for insurance companies. Knowing what they do and how they work can make a big difference in your personal injury case. 

In this article, we’ll explain what insurance adjusters do, how they affect your claim, and how a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights.

What Is an Insurance Adjuster?

An insurance adjuster is someone who works for an insurance company. Their main job is to look into claims and decide how much money, if any, the insurance company should pay. This could be after a car accident, slip and fall, or other types of injury.

Most people hurt in accidents will deal with company or independent adjusters. These adjusters are trained to look for ways to save the insurance company money. Insurance adjusters do not work for you. They work for the insurance company.

What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

The main task an insurance adjuster has is to investigate your claim. This includes:

• Looking at the accident scene or photos
• Reviewing your medical records and bills
• Talking to witnesses
• Asking you for a recorded statement

They gather this information to decide if the insurance company should pay your claim and how much they might offer. They often use software to calculate what your injury claim is worth. These programs may not consider the full pain, suffering, or life impact of your injury. 

At the end of their review, the adjuster will usually offer you a settlement. This is a lump sum of money meant to cover your losses. The first offer is often much lower than what your case is really worth.

Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use

Insurance adjusters often use certain tactics to lower your claim amount. These include:

Acting Friendly

Adjusters may seem caring and helpful. They do this to get you to trust them. But remember, their loyalty is to the insurance company, not you.

Asking for a Recorded Statement

They may ask you to give a recorded statement. This can be used against you later, especially if you misspeak or say something unclear.

Downplaying Injuries

Adjusters may try to say your injuries are not serious or blame them on something other than the accident.

Pressuring You to Settle Quickly

You might be offered a quick settlement. This often happens before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you can’t ask for more money later. Don’t rush. Always speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement.

Why You Should Be Cautious Around Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their goal is to save their employer (the insurance company) money. This can mean offering you far less than you deserve.

Without legal help, it’s easy to fall into traps, such as:

• Admitting fault
• Agreeing to a low settlement
• Signing away your right to sue

Washington state has a “pure comparative fault” law. That means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly at fault. Adjusters may use this rule to their advantage. Be polite, but don’t trust the adjuster to put your best interests first.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer knows how insurance companies work. They can handle adjusters for you and fight for a fair settlement.

Here’s what a Seattle personal injury lawyer can do:

• Deal with the insurance adjuster directly
• Help gather medical evidence and bills
• Estimate the full value of your claim
• Negotiate a better settlement
• File a lawsuit if needed

In most cases, lawyers only get paid if you win. This is called a contingency fee. Having a lawyer levels the playing field and protects your rights.

When To Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

It’s almost always in your best interest to reach out to an attorney for a free case review after an accident. Call a lawyer if:

• You suffered serious injuries
• You’re unsure who’s at fault
• The adjuster is pressuring you
• Your medical bills are high
• You received a low settlement offer

In Seattle, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim. But it’s best not to wait. The sooner a lawyer can start building your case, the stronger it can be. Don’t let an insurance adjuster decide what your case is worth; get legal help to protect your future.

Contact a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Insurance adjusters are not your allies in a personal injury claim. Their job is to minimize payouts and protect the insurance company. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, talk to a Seattle personal injury lawyer before speaking with the adjuster. Contact our Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today at (206) 727 4000 for a free consultation. We can help you get the full amount of compensation you truly deserve.