Who Is An Insurance Adjuster And How Do They Affect My Personal Injury Case?

For some types of accident, a person who sustains injuries can’t just file a lawsuit and can be done with it. For example, Florida’s “no-fault” system tasks insurance companies with compensating the victims of car accidents. What this means is that, with the exception of a very severe injury, survivors can’t just take the incident the court, even if the other party was clearly negligent.

While this might save some time and trouble for some people, it leaves others with a less-than-generous compensation package. Unlike a judge or jury, an insurance company is not a neutral third party.

The Role of Insurance Adjusters in Your Personal Injury Case

One of the most important figures in an insurance claim is the insurance adjuster. This person, an employee of the insurance company, is tasked with reviewing the details of your case and determining what your claim is worth.

Depending on the type of accident, this person may work in auto insurance, workers’ compensation, or even homeowner’s insurance. Regardless, the job of an insurance adjuster is essentially the same: give the injured party just enough to avoid going to court, but not so much that the insurance company loses money.

Like a jury, insurance adjusters are required to look at the available evidence before making a decision. But while juries don’t negotiate with the plaintiff to reach their decision, negotiation is one of the insurance adjuster’s primary job duties. Additionally, even the most unbiased adjuster can only offer what the insurance company has previously established as the maximum payout. 

How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters

Given the conflict of interest that many insurance adjusters face, be ready to negotiate, especially if the number you’ve been quoted seems too low. To steer the odds in your favor, though, consult a personal injury attorney who can start negotiations before you’ve even received the quote. This can greatly improve the outcome of your case.

Negotiating with insurance companies is difficult without years of experience, especially when you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident. Katherine has this experience, and she has been using it to help people just like you for many years. For a free consultation, give us a phone call, email, or text message whenever you need advice.