There is one key figure you will encounter during a car accident claim: the insurance adjuster.
These adjusters are the first contact that the average person will have with an insurance company when it comes to making a claim. They are tasked with the assessment of damages and determining how much to pay as compensation.
They are the employees of the insurance company and investigate what happened, who was liable, and the extent of damages. Even though they seem very amicable, their ultimate aim is always in the best interest of the insurance company, that is, to minimize the potential liability to the insurer. Sometimes, this will translate into a reduced offer. Hence, knowing what they want and how to go about the settlement is important.
Working with the top car accident lawyers ensures that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. These legal professionals help keep negotiations fair and transparent. Lawyers skilled in car accident claims have experience dealing with adjusters, helping claimants manage potential pitfalls and make the claims process work in their favor.
The sections below talk about the role of an insurance adjuster in a car accident claim.
Evaluating Damage and Liability
Among the various tasks allocated to an insurance adjuster, listing and detailing the amount of damage caused by a car accident would be at the forefront. It involves the assessment of not only both vehicles but also the repair estimates.
A closer look at the medical expenses and documentation in case of injuries would also be necessary. One would probably need to interview the witnesses or individuals involved for more information and an outline of the accident.
Apart from calculating damages, adjusters must decide the liability, that is, who was at fault in the accident. That decision can greatly affect the compensation as partial liability or shared liability may scale down the settlement of claims. An experienced attorney will be of great importance in cobbling together evidence for liability to be correctly decided and so improving the outcome of the claimant.
Also read: 4 Reasons Why Fatigue is One of the Primary Causes of Truck Accidents in West Palm Beach
Calculating the Settlement Amount
The insurance adjuster calculates a settlement figure based on his assessment of the damages and liability. This is the amount that they believe should be paid as settlement.
Just keep in mind, that, in general, insurance adjusters are not acting in your best interests but instead often have motives to settle the claim for as little as possible.
The top car accident attorneys can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring the settlement offer is reasonable and covers all the required expenses. In the absence of a lawyer, claimants may not know whether the received amount is acceptable.
Settlement Negotiations
Based on the initial offer, the adjuster may try to negotiate with the claimant. It is at this point that a lawyer is particularly useful.
Adjusters are skilled negotiators. Many are schooled on methods for reducing awards through downplaying certain types of injuries or liability-sharing requests. They may also employ strategies that leverage the time-consuming process to convince the claimant to settle for an amount lower than what had been initially presented solely due to frustration or financial plight.
Also Read: The Reasons Why Adjusters Advise Against Seeking Assistance from Car Accident Lawyers
By working with top car accident lawyers, claimants will be in a better position to advocate for themselves. Experienced attorneys understand the strategies adjusters use and can counter these tactics effectively.
Lawyers work to ensure that all medical costs, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and even non-economic damages like pain and suffering are included in the final settlement.
Conclusion
Insurance adjusters play a significant role in the claims process, but it’s essential to recognize that they ultimately represent the insurance company’s interests. Their goal is to close claims at the lowest possible cost, which may not always align with what’s fair for the claimant.
Understanding their role and knowing how to navigate negotiations—often with the help of top car accident lawyers—can make a considerable difference in achieving a fair settlement. With the right guidance, you can focus on your recovery, knowing your claim is being handled by someone prioritizing your best interests.
