Insurance companies can be a necessary evil in our lives. We dutifully pay our premiums for years, only to find ourselves in a predicament when it comes time to file a claim. Dealing with claims adjusters can be frustrating, but there are strategies you can use to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to fight back against insurance companies with the help of your Atlanta personal injury attorney and come out on top. From navigating the claims process to negotiating settlements, we’ve got you covered with practical tips for dealing with insurance adjusters.
Understanding Insurance Claims Adjusters
An insurance claims adjuster is the person who reviews your insurance claim and determines how much money you are owed. The adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you.
Therefore, you should be prepared when dealing with an insurance claims adjuster.
The Role of Insurance Adjusters
An insurance adjuster is a person who reviews an insurance claim and determines issues like coverage, payment, and denials. Insurance companies hire or contract with adjusters to work on their behalf. Adjusters can be either company employees or independent contractors.
As someone who is dealing with an insurance company after a loss, it is important to understand the role of the insurance adjuster. The following tips will help you deal with an insurance adjuster more effectively:
- Be polite and professional. It is important to remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. They are not your advocate even though they may act like it at times. The best way to get what you want from the adjuster is to be respectful and professional in all your interactions.
- Do not give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. The insurance company will likely ask you for a recorded statement soon after you make your claim. They will use this statement against you later so it is important to consult with an attorney before giving one.
- Gather evidence and document everything related to your claim. This includes taking pictures, keeping receipts, and gathering witness statements if possible. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when dealing with the insurance company.
- Keep track of all communications with the insurance company including phone calls, emails, and letters sent/received as well as any meetings that take place in person or via virtual means.
Strategies for Dealing with Insurance Companies
If you’ve ever filed an insurance claim, you know that the process can be frustrating. Claims adjusters are trained to save the insurance company money, which means they may try to lowball you on your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
However, there are ways to fight back. Here are some strategies for dealing with insurance companies:
Don’t Take the First Offer
Insurance companies typically lowball their first offer in the hopes that you’ll accept it without negotiating. Don’t fall for it! If you’re not satisfied with the initial offer, be sure to negotiate until you reach a fair settlement.
Get Everything in Writing
When you’re communicating with an insurance company, always get everything in writing. This way, you’ll have a record of what was said and agreed upon. Email is ideal for this purpose because it provides a time-stamped paper trail.
Know Your Policy Inside And Out
Before you file a claim, take the time to read through your policy so that you know what coverage you have and what’s excluded. This will help you understand what the insurance company should pay for and make it easier to spot any attempts by the adjuster to underpay or deny your claim.
Important Considerations When Working With an Adjuster
When you’re dealing with an insurance adjuster, it’s important to remember a few key things. First, adjusters are not your friend. They may seem like they’re on your side, but their ultimate goal is to save the insurance company money. That means they’ll likely lowball you on your claim.
That’s why it’s so important to be prepared when you’re dealing with an adjuster. Know what your policy covers and what documentation you need to support your claim. The more prepared you are, the better chance you have of getting a fair settlement.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to negotiate with the adjuster. They expect you to haggle a bit, so don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Ultimately, the goal is to get as much money as possible to cover your damages.
If you’re not satisfied with the offer from the adjuster, don’t be afraid to reject it outright and take them to court if necessary. Many times, the threat of a lawsuit is enough to get an insurance company to increase their offer. But if not, then you may need to go through the legal process to get what you deserve.
It can be challenging to handle a situation where you need to fight an insurance company for compensation. While it is important to prepare yourself and be informed before taking on the challenge of dealing with an adjuster, it is also essential that you remain confident and assertive throughout the process.
Call a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney
When dealing with a personal injury claim, you should have the right legal representation. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex world of claims adjusters, insurance companies, and medical bills. They understand how to negotiate with adjusters to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
A reputable personal injury attorney will also take care of all the paperwork involved in your case so that you can focus on healing. They can also ensure any evidence or documentation necessary is obtained before it’s lost or destroyed.
So if you’re struggling with a personal injury claim and feeling overwhelmed by all the demands being placed on you by claims adjusters, contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can advocate for your rights and protect your interests throughout this challenging process.
