Life can change in an instant. A car accident, slip and fall, or traumatic brain injury can leave you dealing with huge medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress. When you are suffering because of someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury claim is often the only way to recover compensation that will cover your losses and help you get back on your feet. Understanding how do insurance companies settle personal injury claims can help you fight for a fair settlement.
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a local personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. The injury lawyer can assess the details of your injury and provide advice for appropriate next steps.
The Role of Insurance Adjusters
When you file a personal injury claim, an insurance adjuster from the at-fault insurance company is assigned to become your primary point of contact. Adjusters evaluate claims, determine liability, and calculate how much compensation the company should pay. While adjusters may seem friendly, it’s important to remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line by minimizing payouts to claimants whenever possible.
Here’s how insurance adjusters typically handle personal injury claims:
- Gather information. Adjusters will ask you for detailed information about the accident, including medical records, photos, police reports, and witness statements. They may also conduct their own investigation.
- Evaluate liability. The adjuster will determine who is at fault for the accident. In cases where fault is disputed, they may rely on witness testimonies, police reports, and expert opinions to decide who is at fault. Note: In Washington state, fault may be shared.
- Assess damages. The adjuster will calculate the value of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering to come to a number that they say your claim is worth.
- Negotiate a settlement. Once the adjuster has determined what they think your claim is worth, they will offer a settlement. Typically, the initial offer is lower than what you may deserve and offered right after your claim is filed. The adjuster’s goal is to get you to agree to a low settlement soon after the accident before you know the true extent of your medical bills, pain and suffering or lost wages. They are also hoping that you will not consult with a personal injury lawyer who can tell you the real value of your case. Once you have accepted their offer, the case is closed and you cannot go back to ask for more money.
Tips for Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be intimidating, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. Here are some tips to help you handle the process effectively:
- Don’t admit fault or give detailed information about the accident.
- Keep records of all your interactions with the claims adjuster.
- Never accept the first settlement offer.
- Take the offer to your personal injury lawyer to discuss the true value of your claim.
- Wait until you have a full understanding of your injuries and medical bills before negotiating a settlement. In Washington state, injured people generally have three years to file a claim.
How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Handling a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. Personal injury lawyers advocate for injured people by ensuring they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. They also relieve stress by handling all communication with the insurance adjuster, gathering evidence, negotiating your settlement, and filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be negotiated.
If you’re unsure where to start or feel overwhelmed after your accident, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer—their expertise can make all the difference as you seek justice and a full recovery.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
An accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in an accident caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing injured people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
