If you get injured by someone else’s negligence, you will need to go up against that person’s insurance company to collect financial compensation for your medical bills and losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies care more about their profits than people. An insurance claims adjuster is trained to diminish claim payouts and save the insurance company as much money as possible. The more you know about how insurance companies operate, the better you can protect your rights during the financial recovery process.
A Claims Adjuster Is Not on Your Side
This may not seem like a secret if you are already aware that the insurance company does not want what is best for you. However, in practice, it can be difficult to remember that the person you’re talking to is trying to take advantage of you. Claims adjusters are trained to achieve their goals by being polite and appearing to want to help you. The adjuster will want to create a relationship with you to benefit the insurance company. Do not let your guard down.
Remember that the insurance claims adjuster has one mission – to convince you to settle for as little as possible. The claims adjuster has been hired by the insurance company to protect it, not you. During phone calls that appear to be friendly, the insurance adjuster will be trying to extract information from you that can be twisted around and used against you. This is why you should never agree to give the adjuster a recorded statement or discuss your injuries with the adjuster.
You Have the Right to Decline Conversations With the Adjuster
The insurance company will work hard to convince you that you need to take certain actions before the insurer can process your claim, such as speaking with the adjuster and answering questions. Most of the time, these are half-truths or not true at all. If the claims adjuster says a recorded statement is required to process your claim, for example, this is not the case.
You have the option of working with a lawyer and submitting a written statement. This can reduce the risk of the insurance adjuster being able to use your own words against you. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to an insurance claims adjuster, you don’t have to. You have the right to hire a personal injury lawyer in Omaha to take over communications with the insurance company for you.
Medical Details Matter
When it comes to discussing your injuries, medical care, records and medical history with an insurance claims adjuster, less is more. Remember, the adjuster is looking for reasons to deny your claim or diminish benefits. This includes using a pre-existing injury against you or arguing that your injuries must not have been serious since you didn’t see a doctor right away. Take care to avoid these issues by going to a hospital immediately after an accident, refusing to speak to an adjuster about your injuries until you’ve gotten medical care and not signing any medical authorization release forms sent to you by the insurer.
There Is No Such Thing as a Final Offer
Do not listen if an insurance company tells you that a settlement offer is its “best” or “final” offer. Don’t let these scare tactics convince you to accept a settlement that is less than you deserve for your injuries and losses. You cannot reopen your case or negotiate for a higher settlement once you accept and sign a release of liability waiver. This is why you must be certain that the settlement is fair before saying yes.
If the offer made by the insurance company is not high enough, a lawyer can help you take your personal injury case to trial to demand fair financial compensation. Trusting the insurance claims process to an attorney can ensure the full protection of your rights. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance claims adjuster for you to collect maximum financial compensation while you focus on healing.