Car Insurance Adjusters: What They Do & How to Talk to Them

When car accidents in Orlando happen, insurance policies you or the other driver have in place can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur. In dealing with insurance companies, you will generally be talking with car insurance adjusters involved.

At the Law Offices of Pardy & Rodriguez, our experienced Orlando car accident attorneys answer common questions we hear from clients, such as ‘What do car insurance adjusters do?’ and ‘How can I negotiate a settlement with an insurance adjuster after a car accident in Orlando?’ 

What is an insurance adjuster?

It is important to notify the police immediately when a car accident in Orlando happens and to get the names, contact, and insurance information for other drivers involved. Seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible and notify your car insurance company in the aftermath.  

Once your insurer is notified, a car insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. These are employees of the insurance company and may go by other titles, such as claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators. Their primary role is to save the company money. Specific tasks include:  

• Investigating the circumstances surrounding your car accident;
• Determining whether the insurance company is liable;
• Calculating property damages and other losses you suffered;
• Convincing you to agree to a (low) settlement offer.  

What does an insurance adjuster do?

Insurance companies promote themselves as being your protector when unexpected events happen. The reality is they are a major money-making industry that, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), makes more than $60 billion in profits each year. One of the ways they protect these profits is by limiting payouts on claims. 

Car insurance adjusters play a key role in this process. What does an insurance adjuster do? They are your primary point of contact with the insurer and it is their job to collect information that can be used to either deny or downplay your claim. This includes: 

• Statements they can use to show you played a role in causing a car accident;
• Incriminating reports regarding your past driving record;
• Medical records and statements from your doctor, to dispute the severity of your injuries;
• Information about pre-existing medical conditions, which can impact your rights in your current claim;
• Statements from other drivers involved or your family members, to dispute the accident and the impact of your injuries. 

Car insurance adjusters may appear caring and concerned but they have a business quota to meet. Their job security hinges on closing claims quickly and for the least amount of money possible. 

How to negotiate a settlement with an insurance claims adjuster after an Orlando car accident.

When recovering from car accident injuries, the last thing you may want to do is deal with insurance companies involved. Insurance adjusters know this and one of their tactics is to offer an immediate settlement. Unfortunately, this amount is likely to be far less than what you are entitled to or need to cover both current or future expenses.

Understanding how to talk to a car insurance adjuster and negotiate a settlement is key to getting a fair settlement. The following are dos and don’ts to keep in mind when dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident: 

• Do remain calm in interacting with claims adjusters. Being rude or flying into a rage works against you in obtaining a settlement. For example, something you say in anger could be misinterpreted and cause damage to your claim. 
• Do not consent to a recorded statement. This provides important information that can be used against you. While the insurance adjuster may claim it is standard operating procedure, you have the right to refuse. 
• Do provide only basic information about your accident. Other than stating facts, such as the date, time, and place your car accident occurred, provide no additional details about it or what you think caused it. 
• Do not share details about your injuries. It can take your doctor long months after a car accident in Orlando to determine the full extent of your injuries and your prognosis for recovery. Refuse to discuss your injuries or any symptoms you are experiencing. 

When negotiating with insurance adjusters, it is important to understand that once you accept a settlement, you will be waiving your rights in any future claims. For help in getting the maximum amount you are entitled to, reach out to our Orlando car accident attorneys before making any statements or accepting any offers. 

Let our skilled Orlando car accident attorneys handle the car insurance adjusters for you.

At the Law Offices of Pardy & Rodriguez, we act as a strong legal ally on your side when dealing with insurance adjusters in the aftermath of a car accident. With decades’ worth of experience on our side, we aggressively negotiate on your behalf with insurers. We pride ourselves in providing personalized service and are dedicated to helping you get the maximum amount in your settlement. Give us a call or contact our Orlando car accident attorneys online to request a free consultation today.