After a car accident, one of the first people you’ll hear from is an insurance adjuster. These individuals play a critical role in determining how much compensation you’ll receive for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. While adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, it’s important to remember that their primary goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line — not yours.
Knowing how to deal with insurance adjusters can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim. If you’re not careful, you could say something that damages your case or accept a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover all your expenses. We’ll walk you through the best strategies for dealing with insurance adjusters and explain how a Wright Gray Harris attorney can protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Who Are Insurance Adjusters and What Do They Do?
An insurance adjuster (also called a claims adjuster) is a representative of the insurance company. Their main job is to investigate the accident, assess the damage, and determine how much compensation the insurance company should pay.
There are three main types of insurance adjusters you may encounter: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. Staff adjusters are direct employees of the insurance company, while independent adjusters are third-party contractors hired to evaluate claims. Public adjusters, on the other hand, work for policyholders to help them get a fair settlement, though they are less common in car accident cases.
In most car accident cases, you’ll deal with staff adjusters or independent adjusters representing the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to investigate the claim, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement. While they may seem friendly, their main objective is to save the insurance company money.
What Should You Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
When you’re contacted by an insurance adjuster, it’s important to be cautious about what you say. Anything you say could be used to minimize your settlement or dispute your claim. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Stick to Basic Facts: Provide only basic information, such as your name, contact details, and the date, time, and location of the accident. Do not discuss the specifics of the crash or your injuries.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Never admit fault or say, “I’m sorry.” Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, the investigation will determine who was at fault. Admissions of guilt can hurt your claim.
- Avoid Discussing Your Injuries: It’s common for injuries like whiplash or concussions to appear days or weeks after an accident. If you say, “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt,” the insurance company may use this statement against you later.
- Decline to Give a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement, but you are not required to provide one. They may try to use your recorded statement against you, so it’s best to decline.
- Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer: The first offer is usually a lowball offer designed to settle the claim quickly for less than it’s worth. Politely decline the offer and tell the adjuster you need time to review it.
- Contact a Wright Gray Harris Attorney: Before speaking with an adjuster, it’s wise to consult with an attorney. An attorney can speak to the adjuster on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t say anything that could hurt your case.
By being cautious with your words and actions, you can protect the value of your claim and avoid common mistakes that could reduce your compensation.
What Should You NOT Say to an Insurance Adjuster?
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your claim. Here’s a list of things you should never say when dealing with an adjuster:
- “I’m sorry”: This can be interpreted as an admission of fault, even if you were just being polite.
- “I’m not hurt”: Injuries like whiplash, back pain, and concussions may not be immediately obvious after an accident. Saying this could weaken your injury claim.
- “It was my fault”: Admitting fault — even partially — can significantly reduce your settlement. Let the investigation determine fault.
- “I think…”: Avoid speculating or guessing about the cause of the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions.
- “Yes, you can record my statement”: Decline to give a recorded statement. Adjusters use these statements to find inconsistencies in your story.
- “I’ll take the offer”: Never accept the first settlement offer. It’s often far less than what you’re entitled to.
If you’re unsure how to handle a specific question from an adjuster, it’s okay to tell them you’ll get back to them after speaking with a Wright Gray Harris attorney.
How to Protect Your Rights When Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster
To protect your rights and maximize your compensation, follow these key steps:
- Consult With a Wright Gray Harris Attorney: Your attorney can speak to the insurance adjuster on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t make statements that could be used against you.
- Keep a Record of All Communications: Write down the date, time, and name of the adjuster each time you speak with them. This record will be helpful if disputes arise.
- Submit Documentation of Your Injuries and Expenses: Keep copies of your medical bills, car repair invoices, and other expenses. This documentation strengthens your claim.
- Don’t Rush to Settle: Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a fast settlement, but it’s important to wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and expenses.
A Wright Gray Harris attorney can protect your rights throughout the claims process, from handling calls with adjusters to negotiating a fair settlement.
What to Do If the Insurance Adjuster Offers a Low Settlement
If you receive a lowball settlement offer, don’t panic — and definitely don’t accept it. This is a common tactic used by insurance companies to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. Your best course of action is to decline the offer and explain that you need time to evaluate your injuries and expenses.
Next, consult with a Wright Gray Harris attorney. Your attorney can review the settlement offer and compare it to the actual value of your claim, taking into account factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Once you know the true value of your claim, you can submit a counteroffer. This offer will be supported by evidence, including medical records, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages. If the insurance company still refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take the case to court if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re not pressured into accepting less than you deserve. With a Wright Gray Harris attorney on your side, you’ll have an experienced advocate fighting for your financial recovery.
How a Wright Gray Harris Attorney Can Help You Handle Insurance Adjusters
Dealing with insurance adjusters is one of the most stressful parts of a car accident claim. Adjusters are trained to protect the insurance company’s profits, not your rights. But with a Wright Gray Harris attorney on your side, you’ll have someone fighting for your best interests.
Here’s how our attorneys can help you:
- Handle All Communications With Adjusters: We’ll handle calls, emails, and negotiations with the insurance adjuster so you don’t have to.
- Negotiate a Higher Settlement: Our attorneys know how to challenge lowball offers and negotiate for maximum compensation.
- Calculate the True Value of Your Claim: We’ll factor in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
Having an experienced Wright Gray Harris attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
Contact Wright Gray Harris
If you’ve been in a car accident and need help dealing with insurance adjusters, don’t face it alone. Insurance companies prioritize profits over people, and their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.
At Wright Gray Harris, our experienced car accident attorneys will protect your rights, handle calls with insurance adjusters, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Wright Gray Harris today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, review your case, and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Call now to schedule your free consultation.