What is an insurance adjuster’s job?

If you are involved in a personal injury claim, you will likely come into contact with an insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster is a representative of an insurance company who is responsible for evaluating and settling claims. It is important to understand what an insurance adjuster’s job is because they play a critical role in the personal injury claims process. They are responsible for investigating and assessing the claimant’s injuries and losses, and for negotiating a settlement on behalf of the insurance company.

By understanding the role of the insurance adjuster, you can better navigate the claims process and ensure that their rights and interests are protected. For instance, it can help claimants recognize and address any potential red flags or unethical behavior, such as lowball settlement offers or attempts to shift blame for the injury. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, claimants can ensure that they are being treated fairly and that their rights are protected throughout the claims process.

Responsibilities of Insurance Adjuster:

1. Investigating the Claim: The insurance adjuster’s job is first and foremost to investigate the claim. This involves gathering information about the incident that led to the injury, including speaking to witnesses, reviewing police reports and medical records, and conducting an inspection of any property damage. The adjuster may also speak to the injured party or their attorney to get a better understanding of the extent of the injuries and the potential value of the claim.
2. Evaluating the Claim: Once the investigation is complete, the adjuster will evaluate the claim to determine the appropriate amount of compensation to offer. This involves assessing the evidence and determining liability, as well as calculating the damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The adjuster will then use this information to make an initial settlement offer.
3. Negotiating a Settlement: The insurance adjuster’s job also includes negotiating a settlement with the injured party or their attorney. This may involve a back-and-forth process of making counteroffers and addressing any concerns or questions that arise. The goal is to reach a settlement that is fair and reasonable for both parties.
4. Denying a Claim: In some cases, the insurance adjuster may deny a claim if they determine that the policy does not cover the incident or if they believe that the evidence does not support the claim. In this case, the injured party may choose to pursue legal action to try to recover compensation.
5. Communicating with the Injured Party: Throughout the process, the insurance adjuster will communicate with the injured party or their attorney about the status of the claim and any updates or developments. It is important to keep in mind that the adjuster works for the insurance company that it isn’t the insurance adjuster’s job to have the injured party’s best interests at heart. Therefore, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney to represent you and protect your rights.

As you can see, the insurance adjuster’s role in a personal injury claim is to investigate the claim, evaluate the evidence, negotiate a settlement, and communicate with the injured party. While the adjuster’s goal is to resolve the claim as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, it is important to have an attorney to protect your interests and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

While insurance adjusters are required to follow certain ethical standards, it is important for claimants to be aware of potential red flags that may indicate that the adjuster is not acting in good faith or is trying to minimize the compensation paid out to the injured party. Some potential red flags to look out for include:

1. Delay tactics: If the adjuster is taking a long time to respond to calls or emails, or is repeatedly requesting additional documentation or information, this may be a sign that they are trying to delay the claims process or wear down the claimant.
2. Lowball settlement offers: If the adjuster offers a settlement that seems unreasonably low given the extent of the injuries and losses suffered by the claimant, this may be a sign that they are trying to minimize the amount of compensation paid out.
3. Shifting blame: If the adjuster tries to shift blame for the injury onto the claimant or someone else, rather than taking responsibility for their client’s actions, this may be a sign that they are not acting in good faith.
4. Pressure tactics: If the adjuster is pressuring the claimant to accept a settlement offer quickly or is making threats about the consequences of not accepting the offer, this may be a sign that they are not acting in good faith.
5. Inconsistent or contradictory statements: If the adjuster’s statements or actions are inconsistent or contradictory, this may be a sign that they are not being truthful or are trying to mislead the claimant.

Remember, it isn’t an insurance adjuster’s job to work in your best interest. If any of these red flags are present, it is important for the claimant to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help to ensure that the claimant’s rights and interests are protected, and can work to negotiate a fair settlement offer or pursue legal action if necessary.