Unraveling The Truth: Exposing The Tactics Of Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies to investigate claims made against policies the company has issued. They are not responsible for telling a claimant the truth. Their job is to reduce the amount their employer will pay on a claim. To do this, they often resort to various underhanded tactics, including telling outright lies.

Insurance adjusters are allowed to lie to claimants. In fact, many are even encouraged to do so. An adjuster might tell a claimant that their driver is not liable for an accident when they know that they are. They may claim that they can’t contact the other driver or that they’re “still investigating” when they’re not. They might even tell claimants that they’re accepting full responsibility upfront, only to later put some or all of the blame on them.

The truth is that without an attorney, the insurance company sees claimants as easy targets. They know every trick in the book and will use them to their advantage.

Insurance adjusters may claim that the claimant must give a recorded statement

Recorded statements can be used by adjusters to try and trip up claimants, getting them to say things that will hurt their claim. For example, if a claimant says they are “fine” when asked how they are, this could be used as evidence that they are not really injured. Additionally, recorded statements can be taken out of context and used against the claimant later on.

It is important for claimants to remember that they have the right to decline to give a recorded statement and to consult with an attorney before providing any statement. An attorney can help protect the claimant's rights and ensure that they do not say anything that could hurt their claim.

They may say that the claimant needs to share their Social Security Number

Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies to investigate claims made against policies the company has issued. They are not responsible for telling claimants the truth. Instead, their job is to reduce the amount their employer will pay on a claim. To do this, they often resort to various underhanded tactics, including lying.

One common lie insurance adjusters tell claimants is that they need the claimant's Social Security Number (SSN) to process their claim. They may say that this number is necessary for issuing payment. However, this is not true. Insurance companies can issue settlements without a claimant's SSN. Providing this information allows the adjuster to access the claimant's driving record and background, which can then be used to avoid or reduce the payout on a claim. For example, they can use the information to run a full background check, including medical, financial, and criminal history, and use anything they find to justify a lower settlement amount.

By law, you do not have to share your SSN, and you can get a fair settlement without sharing this type of personal information. If you have already hired a lawyer, you can tell the adjuster to contact your lawyer about your SSN. In some states, adjusters may need to check for any child support or tax debt before writing a settlement check.

It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are not working for the claimant. They are working for the insurance company, and their main goal is to reduce the company's payouts on claims and settle claims quickly. Claimants should be cautious when dealing with adjusters and may consider hiring a lawyer to protect their rights and help them seek the compensation they deserve.

They may tell claimants that they don't need a lawyer

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Why Insurance Adjusters May Tell Claimants They Don't Need a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters are often the first point of contact for individuals who have been in an accident or suffered some form of insured loss. While adjusters are supposed to act in good faith and treat claimants fairly, it is not uncommon for them to use tactics that may compromise a claimant's rights or settlement amount. One such tactic is convincing claimants that they do not need to hire a lawyer.

Insurance adjusters may tell claimants that hiring a lawyer will only complicate matters or result in less financial compensation due to legal fees. They may portray themselves as advocates for the claimant, suggesting that they will work to get the claimant the best possible settlement without the need for legal representation. In reality, an adjuster's primary loyalty is to the insurance company and its bottom line. By discouraging claimants from seeking legal advice, adjusters can gain the upper hand in negotiations and potentially save the insurance company money by offering lower settlements.

It is important for claimants to understand that insurance adjusters are not legally bound to act in their best interests. Claimants who choose to navigate the claims process without legal representation may unknowingly accept unfair settlements or waive their rights to future claims. A qualified personal injury lawyer can provide valuable guidance, ensuring that claimants understand their legal options, receive proper medical treatment, and obtain the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

Additionally, insurance policies can be complex, and interpreting them accurately requires a thorough understanding of legal terminology and insurance law. Lawyers can help claimants interpret their policies, identify all applicable coverage, and hold insurance companies accountable for acting in good faith. While it may be tempting to trust the insurance adjuster's advice, it is crucial for claimants to remember that adjusters are not impartial advisors. Seeking independent legal advice can help level the playing field and ensure that claimants receive fair and just treatment throughout the claims process.

In conclusion, claimants should be cautious when an insurance adjuster advises them against seeking legal representation. While it may seem like a cost-saving measure, it could ultimately compromise their rights and financial recovery. Consulting with an experienced lawyer can provide claimants with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions and protect their best interests. Remember, the insurance adjuster's primary goal is to minimize the insurance company's expenses, not necessarily to ensure your well-being and fair compensation.

They may claim that the claimant must settle by a certain date

Insurance adjusters may claim that the claimant must settle by a certain date. This is a tactic used to pressure claimants into accepting a low settlement offer before they know the full extent of their injuries and losses. The insurance adjuster may even come to the claimant's home or hospital to pressure them into accepting the offer. However, this is a lie, as there is no legal obligation to accept or reject a settlement offer by any deadline other than the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline varies by state but generally ranges from one to four years.

Claimants should be aware that once they agree to a settlement, they cannot go back and ask for more money if they later find that their expenses are higher than expected. Therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair and reasonable offer.

Additionally, claimants should be cautious of providing recorded statements to insurance adjusters, as anything said on record can be used to reduce the claim. For example, if asked "How are you today?" and the claimant responds with "I'm fine," the adjuster may use this statement to show that the injuries are not severe. It is recommended to refuse to give a recorded statement or, at the very least, consult with an attorney beforehand to understand your rights and how to protect yourself during the statement.

They may say that the claimant needs to sign a release form

Signing a release form is a common tactic used by insurance adjusters to limit the amount of compensation a claimant receives. Here are some things to keep in mind if an insurance adjuster says that the claimant needs to sign a release form:

Understand the Release Form

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the content and implications of the release form before signing it. A release form, also known as a "liability release form," is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the settlement agreement between the claimant and the insurance company. It typically includes details such as the bodily injury claim, the settlement amount, and a clause releasing all claims against the responsible party and their insurance company. By signing the release form, the claimant waives their right to sue or bring any additional claims related to the accident.

Consult an Attorney

Before signing a release form, it is highly recommended to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can review the release form and the settlement offer to ensure that the claimant's rights and interests are protected. They can also advise on whether the settlement adequately covers the claimant's damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future treatment costs. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance adjuster on behalf of the claimant to seek a fair settlement offer.

Understand Your Rights

It is important for claimants to know their rights and not feel pressured into signing a release form immediately. Claimants have the right to take their time, seek legal advice, and fully understand the extent of their damages before agreeing to any settlement. Insurance adjusters may create a sense of urgency by imposing arbitrary deadlines, but claimants should not feel rushed into making a decision.

Be Wary of the Insurance Adjuster's Motives

It is essential to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and their primary goal is to minimise payouts. They may use various tactics, including lying, to reduce the amount the insurance company has to pay. Therefore, claimants should be cautious and not assume that the insurance adjuster has their best interests at heart.

Understand the Scope of Medical Records Requested

When it comes to releasing medical records, claimants should only provide the insurance adjuster with records directly related to the injuries from the accident. Claimants are not obligated to provide access to their complete medical history or sign a blanket release form. Insurance adjusters may use pre-existing conditions or unrelated medical information to deny or reduce the claimant's injury claim.

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