If you have ever been involved in an accident in Columbus, Georgia, and filed an insurance claim, you have likely dealt with an insurance adjuster. The adjuster will typically investigate the claim and determine whether the insurance company should pay it. If so, the adjuster assigns a value to the case and makes you an offer to settle.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about insurance adjusters, including what they do and how to deal with them.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
An insurance adjuster has many responsibilities when handling insurance claims. At a high level, they are the liaison between the insurance company and the claimant. Adjusters work with the company’s policyholders when they need to file a first-party claim.
Additionally, insurance adjusters are assigned to third-party claims. A third-party claim happens when you file a claim with someone else’s insurance coverage. For instance, imagine you are involved in a car accident, and the other driver is at fault. You could file a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance company for your damages.
Some of the things that an insurance adjuster does are:
- Investigating the accident: The adjuster may interview witnesses or obtain copies of police reports to understand exactly what happened and determine who was at fault.
- Evaluating the damage: Insurance adjusters review photos of the damage and sometimes inspect it in person to understand the extent of the loss.
- Reviewing the coverage details: Part of an adjuster’s job is to determine whether the claim will be covered based on the language of the insurance policy.
- Preventing fraud: Adjusters must also be on the lookout for red flags associated with the claims they handle to properly identify and stop potential fraud.
- Negotiating settlements: Lastly, an adjuster will put a final value on the claim and attempt to settle with the claimant.
Adjusters may perform other tasks from time to time, but this list represents the majority of their job responsibilities.
Who Does an Insurance Adjuster Work for?
Insurance adjusters frequently work directly for the insurance company, but this is not always the case. When you file an insurance claim, a staff adjuster will more than likely be assigned to your claim. Staff adjusters are employees of the insurance company, and they handle claims exclusively for that company.
Independent adjusters do not work for one specific insurance company. Instead, their services are usually contracted, and they might even work on a contract basis for multiple insurance companies. It is common to deploy a team of independent adjusters to an area after a natural disaster or major weather event.
One key point to remember is that the adjuster works for the insurance company and not you. Because adjusters work for the insurance company, their goal is generally to resolve claims in a manner that protects the company’s financial interests. This unfortunately means less money in your pocket after an accident.
Beware of These Insurance Adjuster Tactics
Insurance adjusters are generally very good at their job. This gives them an advantage when negotiating settlements of personal injury claims. This is what they do every day, and they will often use their experience to try to take advantage of victims like you.
They may try to reduce the value of your claim, especially your pain and suffering damages. Here are some of their most common deceptive tactics to watch out for.
Cornering You Into a Quick Settlement
The adjuster knows that you have outstanding medical bills and other expenses. They attempt to convince you to accept a quick settlement. However, most initial offers are substantially lower than the true value of the case.
Telling You That You Don’t Need a Lawyer
Unless your case involves only very minor damages, this is another insurance adjuster lie. The truth is that a personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and interests. The adjuster doesn’t want you to hire a lawyer because they know they will likely have to pay you substantially more compensation.
Blaming You for the Accident
Many adjusters will try to blame you for the accident or use the concept of comparative fault to reduce the value of your claim. Under Georgia’s modified comparative fault rule, your recovery will be reduced by your portion of the fault. If the adjuster can assign some of the blame to you, then the insurance company retains more money.
Call Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to Arrange a Free Consultation With a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer
Remember that every conversation with the adjuster is likely recorded, and they will use your words against you. If you talk to the insurance adjuster without getting help from a lawyer, you could say things that hurt your claim without even knowing it.
After an accident, contact the team at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for help. We know how to handle insurance adjusters, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and seeking compensation on your behalf. Contact us today at (706) 940-4030 to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus personal injury attorney.
