After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel like an uphill battle. While their representatives might seem polite and helpful, their primary goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals skilled at minimizing payouts to save their employers money—often at the expense of accident victims. To secure the compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to understand the tactics they use and how to counter them effectively.
Here are some common strategies insurance adjusters deploy to lowball victims and how car accident attorneys can help level the playing field.
1. Rushing the Settlement Process
One of the first tactics adjusters use is to pressure you into settling quickly. They’ll often approach you soon after the accident, hoping to catch you before you’ve fully understood the extent of your injuries or damages. By offering a fast, low settlement, they aim to close the case before any additional costs come to light.
Take your time. Consult a medical professional to understand the full scope of your injuries, and never accept an initial offer without seeking legal advice.
2. Downplaying Your Injuries
Adjusters may argue that your injuries are less severe than they are or even suggest they were pre-existing. This tactic is aimed at reducing the amount they’ll have to pay for medical bills and related damages.
Maintain detailed medical records, including documentation from every doctor’s visit, therapy session, and diagnostic test. An attorney can help compile this evidence to counteract the adjuster’s claims.
3. Questioning Liability
Another common strategy is to dispute fault. The adjuster might claim that you were partially or entirely responsible for the accident, which can significantly reduce your compensation under comparative negligence laws.
Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. A skilled attorney will help establish liability and ensure the facts of your case are accurately presented.
4. Misinterpreting Policy Terms
Insurance policies are often complex, filled with fine print and industry jargon. Adjusters may misrepresent the terms of your policy or claim that certain damages aren’t covered, hoping you won’t challenge their interpretation.
Familiarize yourself with your policy, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. An experienced attorney can review your policy and identify coverage options that the adjuster might conveniently “overlook.”
5. Using Your Words Against You
Adjusters will often ask you to provide a recorded statement under the guise of needing it for their records. They’ll then scrutinize your words, looking for inconsistencies or admissions of fault that can be used to devalue your claim.
Avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting your attorney. It’s always best to let your legal representative handle communications with the insurance company.
6. Offering a “Final” Lowball Settlement
Many adjusters will frame their initial offer as the best or final deal, pressuring you to accept it without further negotiation. They count on victims being unfamiliar with the true value of their claim.
Remember that you’re not obligated to accept the first offer. An attorney can assess the true value of your case, factoring in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future damages.
7. Delaying the Process
When all else fails, some adjusters will intentionally drag out the claims process. They hope you’ll become frustrated or financially strained and accept a lower settlement out of desperation.
Stay patient and persistent. Having an attorney on your side ensures the insurance company can’t take advantage of you by stalling.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance adjusters are professionals, trained to exploit the knowledge gap between themselves and accident victims. Partnering with the right attorneys puts you on equal footing. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of your claim, counter the adjuster’s tactics, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the strategies insurance adjusters use to lowball victims is the first step to protecting yourself. By staying informed, documenting everything, and seeking legal guidance, you can overcome these challenges and secure a fair settlement. Don’t let the insurance company’s tactics dictate your recovery—stand your ground and advocate for the justice you’re entitled to.
