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When you experience something as traumatic as a car accident, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. You want to recover compensation, get treatment for any injuries you have, and move forward with your life. However, insurance adjusters make a challenging situation even more disastrous when they try to minimize how much you may recover.
We always advise people to reach out to a lawyer before dealing with insurance adjusters. However, if you go through the process alone, you should know what it’s like to deal with insurance adjusters and the companies they work for, as well as tactics they use against you following a collision.
Here are 5 things to know about dealing with insurance adjusters:
- Their friendly demeanor is often just an act.
- They ask questions and know the answers already.
- They don’t want you to have a lawyer.
- They lower the value of your losses.
- They offer less than adequate settlements.
If you suffer injuries in a crash, know your rights. We’ll be here to help you understand your options moving forward.
1. Their Friendly Demeanor Is Often Just an Act
Insurance adjusters may empathize with you when you tell them about your crash and injury. Know that this friendly demeanor is often to get you to trust them. They hope that you will listen to their advice if you trust them. Unfortunately, if you trust insurance companies and their words, you may not get as much you can for your settlement.
2. They Ask Questions and Know the Answers Already
During your conversations with an insurance adjuster, they may ask you questions to which they already know the answer. They want you to make a statement that goes against your initial recollection of the crash. They have information about the accident, but they want to know what you say to determine if they can minimize your claim.
3. They Don’t Want You to Have a Lawyer
Insurance companies know that if you have a lawyer, you have a higher chance of obtaining the maximum compensation possible. As such, they may tell you that the claim is simple, and a lawyer is unnecessary during the process. Don’t believe them.
4. They Lower the Value of Your Losses
You may value your losses much differently than insurance companies. For instance, if you receive a quote from a mechanic for vehicle repairs, the insurance adjuster may say that it’s not accurate. They lower the value of your losses to save money on their end.
5. They Offer Less Than Adequate Settlements
After an injury, you may look forward to a settlement. You would like to get through the process as quickly as possible. Remember, the first settlement offer is often much lower than you deserve. Insurance adjusters know you are dealing with your injuries, so they may try to offer a low settlement hoping that you’ll accept it and that will end the claim.
Don’t accept anything without speaking with a lawyer.
At Warner Law Offices, PLLC, we prioritize your rights and pursue maximum compensation when you need it most. We work through the process on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery while we handle complex legal matters.
Our West Virginia car accident lawyers have worked hard to provide clients with high-quality legal representation during the most challenging times of their lives. Let us be your voice and guide you every step of the way as we hold negligence accountable. We have fought for the injured for more than 20 years, and we’re ready to be here for you, too.
