One of the first people to contact you once a car accident takes place will likely be a claims adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While the adjuster may seem friendly and helpful, it is important to understand that they do not work for you. Their job is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests, often by finding ways to pay you as little as possible.
Knowing what a claims adjuster does and how they operate can help you avoid mistakes that could harm your case. Continue reading for further information about what to expect during this process.
How Does a Claims Adjuster Investigate My Accident?
Once a claim is filed, the adjuster assigned to your case will begin gathering information to determine how the accident happened and how much the insurance company may owe. This investigation typically starts within days of the crash and can move quickly.
The adjuster will review the police report to get an initial picture of liability. From there, they will look at photos of the vehicles involved, assess the extent of the property damage, and begin reviewing any medical records you have made available. They may also visit the accident scene to take their own measurements and observations.
One of the most important steps in their process is taking a recorded statement from you. The adjuster will ask you to describe the accident in your own words, and everything you say can be used later to challenge your claim. Ideally, your Nashville motor vehicle accident lawyer would take over all the communications on your behalf so that you can protect the full value of your claim.
What Tactics Do Adjusters Commonly Use?
Claims adjusters are trained professionals whose performance is often tied to how much they save the company. Some of the strategies they frequently rely on include:
- Contacting you early and offering a fast settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Requesting broad access to your medical history so they can attribute your condition to something pre-existing
- Asking leading questions during recorded statements designed to create inconsistencies in your account
- Downplaying the severity of the crash based on how the vehicle damage looks in photos
- Pushing your fault percentage toward the 50% threshold under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence law, which would eliminate your right to recover anything at all
Each of these tactics serves the same goal. The adjuster is building a case to justify paying you less, and they start working on it from the moment your claim hits their desk.
A Trusted Persona Injury Lawyer Can Deal With the Insurance Company for You
You should not have to navigate conversations with a trained claims adjuster while you are recovering from a serious car accident. A personal injury attorney can step in and handle every interaction with the insurer so that you can focus on getting better.
Contact Woodard Injury Law today for a free consultation at (615) 640-3648. Our trial attorneys have 19 years of experience and have already secured millions of dollars for our clients.