What Insurance Adjusters do for Your Personal Injury Claim

If you were injured in a car accident, you probably called your insurance company shortly thereafter. The representative on the other end might have made small talk and seemed genuinely concerned about the mishap. They likely scheduled a visit from an insurance adjuster, so you and your vehicle could return to a state of normalcy as soon as possible.

The adjuster's role is to make you feel like you have the best insurance company around and that your needs will be met, that is until they make you an offer to compensate for damages. Here is what you should know about adjusters:

The ultimate goal of the insurance company is to pay as little as possible for your claim, or even better, cancel the request entirely. What you need to know is the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and does not have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies hire adjusters with excellent customer service skills. With their friendly banter and verbal condolences toward your situation, they build a level of trust, so you are more likely to accept whenever they offer a settlement deal at a fraction of its worth.

An insurance adjuster thoroughly inspects the details of a case and determines how much they believe it is worth. Also known as a claims handler, the adjuster interviews the claimant, discusses the incident with local police, delves into your hospital and medical records, and finally examines the auto damage itself. These experts know what your claim is worth and what it will take to make repairs. However, to maximize profits, they set a maximum dollar amount for the claim, sometimes 25 percent to 50 percent lower than the actual value. Adjusters further determine their estimations by reviewing:

• Potential medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional duress

If you suffered injuries or damages from a motor vehicle accident, it is highly probable your insurance will not offer what your claim is worth. Consult a Santa Clara County personal injury attorney before you discuss any details with the adjuster. Let us speak to the insurance company and their adjuster directly so we can best protect your interests. If your insurance company chooses not to cooperate, the attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. will represent you to get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 408-289-1417 to schedule your free consultation.

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