When filing a claim after an accident or injury, you expect your insurance adjuster to work fairly and in good faith to compensate you for your losses. While some adjusters do take that approach, many operate in a way that benefits their employer (the insurance company) rather than you, the victim. Their primary goal? To reduce the amount of your settlement wherever possible.
This guide will walk you through the most common tactics insurance adjusters use to reduce claims and how to protect yourself. Whether you’re a personal injury victim, claimant, or policyholder, knowing what to expect can help you maximize your compensation.
Common Tactics Adjusters Use to Reduce Your Settlement
Insurance adjusters have a detailed playbook designed to minimize payouts, and understanding these strategies is vital to safeguarding your rights. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tactics they employ:
Denying or Delaying Claims
Insurance companies know that time is your enemy after an accident. Adjusters will sometimes deny claims outright or delay processing them in the hope that you’ll give up or settle for less.
- Example: The Delayed Treatment
A claimant with a back injury was advised by the adjuster to delay seeking medical treatment, claiming it wasn’t necessary. Later, the adjuster argued the lack of immediate medical attention was proof the injury wasn’t severe.
This tactic not only undermines your claim but could also put your health at risk. Delays in treatment can worsen your condition, making it harder to recover.
What You Can Do:
- Seek medical attention immediately after your accident, even if injuries seem minor.
- Keep clear timelines and documentation of all communications with your adjuster.
Minimizing Injuries
Adjusters often downplay the severity of your injuries to reduce the value of your claim. They may request access to your medical records and selectively interpret reports to make it seem as though your condition requires less compensation.
Example: The Pre-Existing Condition
A claimant suffered severe whiplash in a car accident, but the adjuster argued that the injury was tied to a previous minor accident years earlier—even though a doctor confirmed the recent car crash as the main cause.
What You Can Do:
- Be cautious when providing access to your full medical history; only share what’s relevant to the current claim.
- Ensure your medical providers give detailed reports explicitly linking your injuries to the accident in question.
Blaming the Victim
If an adjuster can shift any responsibility to you, they can reduce the claim amount by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This tactic, known as comparative negligence, heavily reduces payouts.
Example: If you’re involved in a car accident and an adjuster argues that you were partially at fault for taking a slightly wide turn, they may reduce your compensation by as much as 30%.
What You Can Do:
- Collect critical evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and witness statements, to counter these claims.
- Avoid admitting fault or making ambiguous statements to the adjuster.
Offering Low Settlements
Adjusters know that many claimants are financially strained after an accident, so they deliberately offer lowball settlements early on. They may frame these offers as the “best they can do” or emphasize how quickly you’ll receive the money.
Example: The Quick Settlement
A victim struggling with mounting medical bills was offered an immediate $2,000 settlement. Although tempting, the actual medical expenses far exceeded that amount.
What You Can Do:
- Avoid accepting the first offer.
- Wait until your medical treatment is complete, and you fully understand the costs, before considering a settlement.
The Importance of Evidence and Documentation
Preparing your defense against these tactics starts with strong documentation. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the harder it will be for adjusters to undermine it.
Key evidence to collect includes:
- Accident Scene Photos: These can show property damage, skid marks, and hazardous conditions.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from unbiased third parties can corroborate your version of events.
- Medical Records: Detailed medical reports linking your injuries to the accident are invaluable.
- Receipts and Bills: From hospital stays to lost wages, these receipts prove your financial losses.
- Communication Logs: Keep a record of emails, calls, and letters exchanged with the adjuster.
When to Seek Legal Help
The tactics outlined above highlight the importance of recognizing when you’re being taken advantage of. If you feel overwhelmed or suspect you’re not getting fair treatment, consulting a personal injury attorney is a prudent decision.
An attorney can:
- Protect you from aggressive insurance tactics.
- Review settlement offers and negotiate on your behalf.
- File lawsuits if insurers refuse to settle in good faith.
- Increase overall compensation, as studies show claimants with representation often receive significantly higher payouts.
Case Study Example
The Recorded Statement
A claimant, unaware of their rights, agreed to provide a recorded statement to their adjuster. The adjuster skillfully twisted their words to imply the injuries were exaggerated, successfully reducing the payout.
Lesson Learned: Never provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.
Protect Yourself and Maximize Your Settlement
Facing a claim dispute can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Understanding adjusters’ tactics and staying vigilant will put you in a stronger position to fight for what you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Seek medical attention immediately to prevent adjusters from questioning the severity of your injuries.
- Avoid sharing unnecessary personal or medical information.
- Document everything—from accident details to communications with the adjuster.
- Consider consulting a legal expert if negotiations stall or feel unfair.
If you or someone you know is currently navigating the challenges of dealing with an insurance adjuster, don’t risk leaving money on the table. Reach out to a trusted personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Your settlement is too important to compromise. Protect your future by staying informed and seeking the right help when you need it.
