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Consulting an Attorney Before Speaking to an Insurance Adjuster


— October 30, 2023

When you prioritize your best interests in insurance negotiations you will find yourself getting fair compensation for your claim.


It is crucial to consult with an attorney before you speak to an insurance adjuster. An attorney is an expert in understanding the complex intricacies of insurance policies and they have specific knowledge of the legal responsibilities of both parties involved. A qualified personal injury attorney can ensure that you aren’t accepting a settlement that doesn’t live up to expectations. 

Insurance adjusters are not on your side, they will not be fighting for you and your rights. An insurance company pays an insurance adjuster to minimize the company’s payout. A personal injury attorney, on the other hand, is on your side! Their entire job is to get you the money that you are entitled to and to not settle until satisfied. 

“Speaking to an attorney before engaging with an insurance adjuster can make all the difference. It ensures you don’t unintentionally jeopardize your claim, protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of a fair settlement.” –  Erika Garnes of Abogados De Accidentes De Carro Y Lesiones En Miami

Understanding the Insurance Adjuster

An insurance adjuster is the person between the policyholder (you) and the insurance company. They are the middleman. Once a claim has been made, the insurance company will send their adjuster to determine the amount that will be paid to you. The insurance adjuster’s job is to make sure that the insurance company only pays out for legitimate and non-fraudulent claims.

It is important to remember that the insurance adjuster holds no allegiance to you and is only going to act in the insurance company’s best interest. 

The Benefits of Legal Help

The best thing you can do is to consult with an attorney before contacting an insurance adjuster. An attorney provides you with trusted legal advice who can guide you through the insurance claim. The attorney will be fighting for you and will take your side at all times. 

An attorney’s job is to help you make informed decisions and explain the ins and outs of an insurance claim and the possible consequences of various actions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you are interacting with insurance adjusters there are several common errors that might occur. It is crucial to be aware of these potential misunderstandings in order to have a smooth claims process.

Confused woman; image by Uday Mittal, via Unsplash.com.
Confused woman; image by Uday Mittal, via Unsplash.com.

Here are some typical errors to watch out for:

  • Providing incomplete information
  • Giving a recorded statement without preparation
  • Settling way too quickly
  • Not documenting damages properly.
  • Not fully understanding policy coverage
  • Providing unnecessary information
  • Not communicating in writing (so there is no paper trail)
  • Being uncooperative
  • Accepting the first offer
  • Not seeking legal counsel
  • Missing deadlines
  • Not seeking a second opinion

In order to avoid many of these mistakes it is important to know and understand your insurance policy. Really familiarize yourself with the coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and other special conditions. The next thing you should do is check with a personal injury attorney. The attorney can help walk you through the process and ensure you are doing everything correctly. 

If you are going to try to tackle the claims process by yourself then you are likely going to make several mistakes. You are not an expert in this field, but an attorney is! Let somebody help you so that you can get fair compensation. 

Handling Complex Cases

Attorneys provide invaluable assistance with regard to the intricacies of insurance claims. By leveraging their legal expertise you will be able to avoid many of the most common mistakes and get the most out of your claim. Insurance adjusters will try to make it so you don’t get a fair deal – that is their job. With legal assistance on your side, you are likely going to get a better offer because the attorney will know what makes the most sense. 

The most beneficial role of an attorney is during the negotiations. Attorneys are trained to be skilled negotiators who can engage with insurance adjusters and insurance companies effectively and efficiently. They can advocate on your behalf to secure a fair deal so you don’t have to. 

Securing fair compensation is a lot harder than it sounds. It needs a well-rounded and strategic approach. You might not have the knowledge required to ensure fair compensation and that is why you should hire an attorney. 

Conclusion

It is absolutely crucial and essential to seek legal counsel when dealing with insurance adjusters. The role of attorneys is paramount in receiving the best and most fair compensation for your claim. Lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of the law, regulations, and legal process that allow them to interpret complex insurance matters. Attorneys can act as advocates in your claim so you don’t have to fight alone.

When you prioritize your best interests in insurance negotiations you will find yourself getting fair compensation for your claim. If you work alone and take the first offer that the insurance company has to offer then you will not be getting what you deserve. The best thing you can do in order to avoid making serious mistakes is to hire a professional and seasoned personal injury attorney.

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