When you get hurt in an accident, regardless of whose fault it is, you’re likely going to have to deal with an insurance adjuster somewhere along the way. You’ll need to report the accident to the insurance company, who in turn will need to evaluate your claim to determine the amount of payout, or indeed if there will be any payout at all.
The people who make these decisions are insurance adjusters, and sometimes they can be very difficult to work with, even denying your claim based on what you think are minor reasons. Learn the answer to “what is an insurance adjuster,” and find out how dealing with them can be easier if you’ve got a good personal injury attorney in your corner.
What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
If you’ve ever wondered “what is an insurance adjuster,” you’re not alone. It’s one of those scary terms that comes with dealing with your provider after an accident. They might also be called a claims representative, claims analyst, or claims specialist, but it’s all the same thing. The insurance adjuster’s job is to determine the value of an accident.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Role
Whenever you file an insurance claim, the negotiation process occurs with a claims adjuster with the liability insurance of the person against whom you’ve filed the claim. This adjuster may work directly for the insurer or may be an independent entity. Regardless, the operation will proceed in the same fashion. The big difference between an in-house and independent adjuster is that the independent adjuster will have less authority to settle a case, and must seek approval from the insurance company.
How the Case is Settled
Insurance adjusters are rated on job performance based on two factors: settling cases fast and settling them for low cost to the insurance company. Remember that they’re tasked with settling up to 100 cases every month, just to break even. What this means for you is that it’s important to show the adjuster you understand how much your claim is worth and can back it up.
Always keep in mind that while the adjuster knows their business, you know about your case in particular. They have the authority to come to an agreement over the phone regarding your settlement but are restricted to a certain dollar amount, usually based on their experience. They won’t tell you this limit, of course, unless you’re going above it.
Working with a Personal Injury Attorney
Because adjusters are under pressure to settle cases fast and within a specific limit, they’re going to push you to sign off on low-ball offers. It’s up to you to not accept those offers and seek the compensation you deserve. Often, this means working with a qualified personal injury attorney. The right lawyer knows how to face down adjusters, who can be very aggressive in pursuing their side of the case.
Attorneys know how to stop adjusters from acting like bullies or trying to strongarm you into less than you deserve. If you’re having trouble dealing with a claims adjuster in your New Jersey case, don’t go it alone. Tell them you’ll put them in touch with your attorney, and contact Peter Davis & Associates for a consultation and help today.
