If you have been involved in an accident, you might deal with an auto insurance adjuster. Typically, you can give a statement to your own insurance company after the accident. But remember you do not need to give a statement to the other party's insurance adjuster.
At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., we are familiar with how auto insurance adjusters are trained and how they can operate. We have negotiation skills to manage insurance adjusters. Sometimes when people have tried to do communicate with insurance adjusters on their own, those people may unknowingly make a mistake. Contact our office at (310) 900-0809 to learn how we can help you if you have been involved in an accident in California and dealing with an auto insurance adjuster.
The Role of Auto Insurance Adjusters in Auto Accidents
Auto insurance adjusters play an important role after a car accident, so you should know just who they are and how they operate. In short, adjusters are employees of insurance companies whose main job is to investigate accidents and determine what the liability of the insurance company is. The interest of the insurance adjuster usually lies with the company. One of the ways that insurance companies make money is by paying out as little as they are legally obligated to, and experienced auto insurance adjusters know how to do this minimize their exposure.
Tactics Used by California Auto Insurance Adjusters
Becoming familiar with the tactics that auto insurance adjusters use while evaluating claims is the best way to avoid falling prey to them. While not an exhaustive list, a few of the more common tactics can include the following:
Look for Inconsistencies
An insurance adjuster could ask for a very thorough recorded statement from you, which they will then meticulously comb through, looking for any details that suggest an inconsistency in your story, which subsequently might represent a defense for the insurance company. For example, you might tell an adjuster that you only injured your arm in a crash, but later you find out you also sustained a concussion. They may then turn around and use this information to suggest that a different event caused your injuries as opposed to the accident.
Delay the Process or Avoid Contact
Depending on the case, some adjusters might attempt to delay the case as long as they can, hoping that you will begin to feel the pressure of unpaid bills piling up. The thought is that if your bills start piling up, you'll become desperate and willing to accept whatever offer they throw at you. In these instances, stand firm and continue to contact them, no matter how frustrating it becomes.
Encourage a Rapid Settlement
On the other hand, adjusters may try to pressure to settle quickly in certain cases. This strategy might be used if the adjuster feels that you don't understand the full value of your claim, or that further investigation into it will uncover more damages that the insurance company could be liable for. Having the right attorney in your corner can help that you are protected.
How Can a California Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
For most accident victims, the world of personal injury law can be a new and scary place. Hiring the right attorney can help.
Our attorney from The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., along with our team, can help value your claim so you do not leave money on the table. We are familiar with applicable strategies, which means that we may advise you on what insurance adjusters are limited by. Ultimately, we will work with you and your family to make sure that you get the best settlement offer possible while handling the difficult negotiations on your behalf.
Personal injury lawyers can help in non-auto accident cases, too. Insurance adjusters are involved in all types of personal injury cases, like:
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
- Product liability
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Today
Auto insurance adjusters are trained well. They have their employer's best interests as their priority, not your interests. Even if the auto insurance adjuster is representing your claim, they still may want to minimize or avoid a settlement payout. This can be particularly true when you file a first-party claim with your own insurer.
To make sure you get the compensation you deserve, it can be helpful to know how to handle auto insurance adjusters. At The Law Office of Shawn Golshani | Shawn Gol Law, P.C., our auto accident attorney, along with our team, can help. Contact us today online or at (310) 900-0809 to schedule a Free Case Evaluation.