After an Accident: What is the Role of an Insurance Adjuster?
May 21, 2015
Insurance adjusters may also be referred to as claims specialists, claims representatives, or independent claims analysts, but the role remains essentially the same. They play a major role in determining the outcome of a personal injury claim, and understanding how they operate can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do in a Personal Injury Claim?
An insurance claims adjuster, typically working for the at-fault party’s insurance company, is responsible for investigating your accident, reviewing evidence, and evaluating the value of your claim. This process may include reviewing police reports, medical records, witness statements, and property damage estimates.
Do Insurance Adjusters Work in Your Best Interest?
It is important to understand that claims adjusters’ job performance is judged on how little of the insurance company’s money is spent on your settlement, along with how quickly the claim is settled. Adjusters may handle 50 to 100+ claims per month, and they are frequently required to meet monthly claim closure targets, which can result in pressure tactics to encourage quick, low-value settlements.
Negotiating With an Insurance Adjuster: What You Should Know
Adjusters have no special legal background or training and most do not have the time or resources to intensely study your claim. This means that if you are well-prepared with documentation—such as photos, medical records, and a clear timeline of the accident—you may have a strategic advantage during negotiations.
How Settlement Authority Works
Adjusters have the authority to offer you your final settlement amount over the phone, but this amount has certain limits depending on the amount of experience your particular adjuster has. For higher settlement amounts, the adjuster must seek approval from a claims supervisor or manager, which can affect both timing and negotiation strategy.
What Information Should You Never Share With an Insurance Adjuster?
Avoid giving recorded statements, speculating about fault, or minimizing your injuries when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Stick to basic facts and avoid discussing medical conditions or settlement expectations without legal guidance. Consulting an attorney before providing detailed information can help protect your case and prevent costly mistakes.
When Should You Speak to an Insurance Adjuster After an Accident?
You should be cautious about speaking to an insurance adjuster immediately after an accident, especially before understanding the full extent of your injuries. Early communication can impact your claim value. It is often best to consult a personal injury attorney first, who can handle communications on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Matters
If you have been involved in a car accident in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, dealing with an insurance adjuster—whether from the at-fault party or your own insurer—can be complex and financially risky. An experienced attorney can handle all communications, negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and ensure you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
At Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C., we understand the tactics insurance companies use and have helped injury victims recover significant compensation through strategic negotiation and litigation when necessary.
Get Legal Help After an Accident
Contact Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. today for a free consultation and let our Atlanta personal injury attorneys handle the insurance adjuster while you focus on recovery.
Speak with our team now to protect your claim and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to.
