Getting into an accident can be stressful and impose severe physical, emotional, and social stress. If someone else’s negligence causes your car accident, you might be entitled to a compensation claim. Now comes the question of car insurance and dealing with insurance companies.
Auto insurance adjusters are responsible for assessing the damages and costs of an auto accident to determine payout from your insurance company. Some auto insurance adjusters tend to employ specific tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. As your auto accident attorneys, we are here to make you aware of unethical adjuster tricks.
Read this blog to watch for prevalent adjuster tricks that might mislead you into accepting a lower compensation.
What work does an Insurance Claims Adjuster do?
An insurance claims adjuster investigates, evaluates, and settles insurance claims. Insurance adjusters determine if a policy covers a claim, understand the extent of damage or loss, and negotiate settlements. In some instances, insurance adjusters attempt to prevent fraudulent claims.
Generally, insurance companies keep them on payroll in-house or hire them from an outside agency. They assess the damages and look into the details of the accident, and pursue accident records to understand how the insurance company might pay you.
5 Auto Insurance Adjuster Tricks to Watch For
We have presented specific tactics used by insurance adjusters to underpay you your actual compensation amount. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Delay Negotiations or Settlement Talks
A primary tactic employed by insurance adjusters is the deliberate delay in negotiations or settlement talks. Unethical insurance adjusters might be aware of your lost income after an accident, and yet deliberately delay your settlement talks. This might increase frustration and, in return, manipulate you to accept lower insurance claims.
Our experienced car accident lawyer is well aware of this adjuster trick and will pursue your compensation claim. Their prompt action will help you to wait for your fair settlement, without compromising your financial stability.
2. Using Recorded Statements Against You
Some adjusters might request that you hand over a recorded settlement about your status right after an accident. Adjusters may manipulate you through their questions and attempt to gather information from you. These recorded statements can be used against you, claiming that you faked the severity of your injuries.
Without the supervision and guidance of a lawyer, do not state anything or share any information about your accident status with your adjuster.
3. Requiring Excessive Documentation
In some instances, adjusters may request excessive documentation. An exaggerated amount of details might exhaust you, thereby delaying the process and causing frustration.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Florida will help you keep a comprehensive and accurate record of documents, evidence, and medical records. Our legal experts will ensure that such documents are secure, safe, and presented in a timely manner in the appropriate location.
4. Asking for Medical Authorization
Some insurance adjusters might ask you to sign a medical authorization form. With your complete medical record, insurance adjusters might claim that your previous injuries may have increased your severity. Your payout amount will decrease, and in extreme cases, you might not receive any.
5. Misrepresentation of Insurance Coverage
One of the unethical practices adjusters engage in is misinforming policyholders about the timeframe and details of their policy coverage. Individuals with basic knowledge often fall prey to the misinformation of attorneys and lose their compensation or receive a far lesser amount.
How can an Auto Accident Lawyer help you?
Seeking legal help is highly essential for countering the insurance adjusters’ tricks. Navigating the complexities of an insurance claim can be complex, thereby increasing financial and emotional pressure upon plaintiffs.
At Abercrombie, P.A., our seasoned auto accident lawyers will ensure that all your rights are protected and you receive your rightful compensation. With significant experience in dealing with auto accidents, we can counter every adjuster’s unethical practices.
Here’s how we will help you with the following process:
- Navigate the entire legal process.
- Understand your exact legal rights.
- Protect your legal interests.
- Conduct a thorough investigation.
- Determine Liability and Calculate Value of Damages
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
- Shield yourself from the tricks of insurance adjusters
- Maximize your compensation value
Final Thoughts
Abercrombie, P.A. is always here to protect you from unethical insurance practices. Most importantly, we help our clients understand the tricks and unethical practices that might hinder their ability to obtain rightful compensation.
Contact us today for a Free Consultation.
