10 Secrets Your Insurance Adjuster Doesn’t Want You to Know After a Car Crash

When you've been in a car accident, navigating the aftermath can be daunting. One of the key figures you'll encounter is the insurance adjuster, whose job is to assess the damage and determine the payout. However, there are several things they may not want you to know, which could impact the compensation you receive. This extensive article uncovers ten critical secrets your insurance adjuster might keep from you, complete with specific examples to illustrate each point.

**1. The Adjuster Works for the Insurance Company, Not You:

Explanation: While an insurance adjuster may appear friendly and helpful, it's essential to remember that their primary loyalty is to the insurance company, not you. Their goal is to minimize the payout to protect the company's profits.

Example: Imagine you're discussing your claim with the adjuster, and they seem very supportive. They assure you they'll handle everything. However, behind the scenes, they're working to find ways to reduce the settlement amount. Their friendly demeanor is a tactic to gain your trust and make you less likely to question their decisions or seek a higher payout.

**2. Your Initial Offer is Likely Low:

Explanation: Insurance adjusters often start with a lowball offer, hoping you'll accept it quickly. Many people are eager to settle and move on, so they might not realize they can negotiate for a higher amount.

Example: After a collision, Jane receives an initial offer of $5,000 for her medical expenses and car repairs. She thinks this is the best she can get and considers accepting it. However, after consulting with an attorney, she learns that her total damages, including future medical treatments and lost wages, amount to $15,000. She negotiates and eventually settles for $12,000, significantly more than the initial offer.

**3. You Don't Have to Accept the First Offer:

Explanation: Many people believe they must accept the first settlement offer. However, you have the right to negotiate. The initial offer is typically just a starting point.

Example: Tom's car was totaled in an accident, and the insurance company's first offer was $8,000. Instead of accepting it immediately, Tom provided evidence of his car's value from multiple sources and negotiated with the adjuster. Eventually, he received $10,500, a significant increase from the initial offer.

**4. You Can Hire an Attorney:

Explanation: Insurance adjusters may downplay the benefits of hiring an attorney, as legal representation can often lead to higher settlements for claimants. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Example: After a severe accident, Mark was overwhelmed with medical bills and lost wages. The insurance company offered him a settlement that barely covered his immediate expenses. Mark decided to hire a personal injury attorney, who took over negotiations and ultimately secured a settlement that covered all his medical bills, lost wages, and additional compensation for pain and suffering.

**5. Document Everything:

Explanation: Adjusters might not emphasize the importance of documentation. Keeping detailed records of the accident, medical treatments, and communications with the insurance company can strengthen your claim.

Example: Sarah was rear-ended at a stoplight and sustained neck injuries. She kept meticulous records of her medical visits, treatments, and conversations with her insurance adjuster. When her initial claim was disputed, her thorough documentation helped her attorney build a strong case, leading to a favorable settlement.

**6. Your Medical Records Are Key:

Explanation: Adjusters may request access to your entire medical history, which isn't necessary. They only need records related to the accident. Providing too much information can be used against you to reduce your claim.

Example: John suffered a broken leg in a car accident. The insurance adjuster requested his full medical history, but John's attorney advised him to only provide records related to the accident. This prevented the adjuster from potentially using unrelated medical issues to dispute the severity of his injury and reduce the settlement.

**7. Future Medical Costs Matter:

Explanation: Adjusters may focus on your immediate medical expenses, but you're also entitled to compensation for future medical costs related to the accident. This includes ongoing treatments, physical therapy, and any future surgeries.

Example: Lisa sustained a back injury in a car accident that required surgery and ongoing physical therapy. Her initial settlement offer didn't account for future medical expenses. By consulting with medical professionals and providing a detailed prognosis, she was able to secure additional compensation for her long-term recovery needs.

**8. You Can Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering:

Explanation: Insurance companies might not readily offer compensation for pain and suffering, which is more subjective than tangible expenses like medical bills. However, you're entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional impact of the accident.

Example: After his car was hit by a drunk driver, Tom experienced severe anxiety and chronic pain. Initially, the insurance company only offered to cover his medical bills. Tom's attorney helped him document his emotional distress and ongoing pain, leading to a settlement that included compensation for pain and suffering.

**9. You're Not Obligated to Give a Recorded Statement:

Explanation: Adjusters may request a recorded statement soon after the accident. While this might seem standard, you're not obligated to provide one without consulting with an attorney first. Recorded statements can be used against you to minimize your claim.

Example: After a collision, Steve was asked to give a recorded statement about the accident. His attorney advised him to decline until they had reviewed the case. This prevented Steve from inadvertently saying something that could be misinterpreted and used to reduce his compensation.

**10. Policy Limits Are Negotiable:

Explanation: Insurance adjusters might suggest that the policy limits are non-negotiable, but in reality, there are ways to negotiate beyond the stated limits, especially if the damages exceed the coverage.

Example: Maria was involved in a severe car accident, and her medical expenses far exceeded the at-fault driver's policy limits. Initially, the insurance company insisted that the payout couldn't exceed the policy limit. However, Maria's attorney negotiated with the insurance company, citing bad faith practices and the potential for a lawsuit. This negotiation resulted in an out-of-court settlement that exceeded the initial policy limits, covering Maria's full medical costs and additional damages.

Conclusion:

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters. Understanding these ten secrets can empower you to take control of your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation. Always remember to document everything, consult with an attorney, and never accept the first offer without negotiation. By being informed and proactive, you can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.