5 Tips to Really Scare an Insurance Adjuster Into a Fair Settlement

Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be unbearable. Their adjusters seem to have just one goal – nickel and diming you with lowball settlement offers.

You got hurt through no fault of your own, yet they treat your claim like an inconvenience. It’s time to make them take you seriously. In this post, you’ll learn 5 tips for putting the fear into even the most stubborn insurance adjusters.

#1 Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

One of the most critical aspects of negotiating with insurance adjusters is having strong evidence to support your claim. This includes documenting the extent of your injuries and property damage through medical records, photographs, and expert opinions.

Medical records are particularly important in personal injury cases, as they provide concrete evidence of the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received. Expert witness statements, such as those from medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can also support and bolster your claim.

#2 Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

One of the best ways to level the playing field when negotiating with insurance adjusters is to hire a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. Our attorneys at Hess Injury Law are well-versed in insurance companies’ tactics, so they can help you navigate the convoluted legal system.

Having legal representation makes it very evident to the insurance company that you take your claim seriously and are prepared to fight for the money you are entitled to. Your lawyer can manage all correspondence with the insurance adjuster, protecting your rights and preventing you from unintentionally saying something that could jeopardize your case.

#3 Know the True Value of Your Claim

It is essential to ascertain the actual value of your claim before engaging in negotiations with an insurance adjuster. This entails figuring out the total amount of your losses, including pain and suffering, missed income, and medical costs.

Many insurance adjusters will offer a lowball settlement in the hopes that you’ll accept it without considering the long-term consequences. By knowing the true value of your claim, you can negotiate from a position of strength and avoid settling for less than you deserve.

#4 Maintain Consistent and Professional Communication

Throughout the negotiation process, it’s essential to maintain consistent and professional communication with the insurance adjuster. Keep detailed records of all conversations, including the date, time, and content of each exchange.

Communicating in writing, such as through email or certified mail, can help create a paper trail and ensure that there are no misunderstandings about what was discussed. Remember to remain courteous and professional, even if the negotiations become challenging. This can help you build credibility and demonstrate that you are reasonable and willing to work towards a fair resolution.

#5 Be Prepared to Walk Away

In some cases, the insurance adjuster may be unwilling to offer a fair settlement, no matter how much evidence you present or how skillfully you negotiate. In these situations, it’s essential to be prepared to walk away from the negotiation table.

Walking away doesn’t mean giving up on your claim altogether. It simply means that you are willing to explore other options, such as mediation or litigation, to achieve the outcome you deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you make informed decisions about when to continue negotiations and when to pursue alternative avenues.

Watch for Common Negotiation Tactics

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators, and they don’t make it easy to get the full compensation you deserve after an injury. They’ll try every trick in the book to lowball you or poke holes in your case.

Here are three common tactics to watch out for:

1. The Delay Game – The adjuster may constantly reschedule calls, claim they need more documentation, or just go silent for long stretches. They’re hoping you’ll get frustrated and take a lowball offer just to get it over with. Don’t fall for it – good things come to those who wait for a fair settlement.
2. Swapping Blame – Expect the adjuster to nitpick your version of events and point fingers back at you, insinuating you were partially responsible through negligence or distraction. Even a small admission of fault on your part lets them reduce their payout obligations. Stick to the facts.
3. Minimizing Injuries – They’ll try downplaying the severity of your injuries as “just a little bump” or saying your chronic pain is simply from getting older. Have detailed medical reports and testimony ready to validate the extent of your damages.

Be a hard negotiator, don’t get duped by adjuster mind games, and show you’re not going to be pushed around. Hit them with facts, be willing to walk away, and make it clear you mean business.

Bring in the Big Guns With Hess Injury Law

The most effective way to get an insurance company to offer fair compensation is by hiring an experienced personal injury law firm like Hess Injury Law. For years, we have fought for the rights of injured people in Oregon and Washington. Our attorneys handle negotiations strategically to get you the maximum settlement.

Don’t go up against big insurance companies alone. Contact us for a FREE consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Our lawyers will examine the specifics of your case and provide you with advice on how to get the money you are due. With strong legal representation on your side, you can feel confident you will get a fair settlement.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.