When you file car crash claims following a crash, you communicate the amount you are claiming in writing through a demand letter. This letter is typically sent to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. In response, you can expect to be contacted by an insurance company via phone. A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you with drafting the letter and negotiating with the insurance company.
In the vast majority of car crash claims, the person who contacts you on behalf of an insurance company is the insurance adjuster. The adjuster handles your claim in person and plays a central role in how your claim is ultimately settled. This is why it is important to understand the role of an adjuster and see how you can effectively communicate with an adjuster to your advantage.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
An insurance adjuster, as the job title suggests, negotiates with you regarding car crash claims. The adjuster is usually someone employed by the insurance company of the at-fault driver. But it is also possible for independent adjusters to be hired by an insurer to work on your claim. In some cases, an attorney may also serve as an insurance adjuster for the insurer or a public entity such as a governmental organization.
In all cases, the adjuster will communicate with you on behalf of the insurance company. This communication is typically back-and-forth in nature. The communication itself may take place on the phone or the adjuster may invite you to an office to discuss car crash claims.
Role of Adjuster in Settling a Claim
When you file a claim, the insurance adjuster may come up with a counter-offer. Ultimately, the insurance adjuster seeks to pay as little of the insurance company’s money as possible. At the same time, the adjuster usually wants to settle and conclude a claim quickly.
If you and the adjuster ultimately agree on a dollar amount, the adjuster shares the legal paperwork to process the settlement. However, if the amount is somewhat larger, the adjuster may need the approval of the claims supervisor before sealing the deal.
Negotiating Effectively With an Adjuster
When communicating with an adjuster, the way you behave, present your case, and share your version of the events has an impact on how car crash claims conclude. Here are some tips to make sure you have the advantage through the negotiating process.
Keep Your Calm:
The adjuster is only someone representing the insurance company and being angry or abusive towards the adjuster doesn’t help your case. This is why it is always a good idea to keep your calm, be polite, and negotiate in a friendly manner.
Avoid Going Into Details:
You will share the details of the crash as well as information about your injuries and other losses in a demand letter. When interacting with the insurance adjuster, stick only to the facts of the crash. Do not be lured into giving opinions, admitting fault, or blaming someone for the crash. If the insurance adjuster asks you tricky questions to lure you into making compromising answers, simply refer to the demand letter or state that you will share the details once your investigation of the crash concludes.
Know the Worth of Your Claim:
It is generally a good idea to consult a car crash lawyer before you meet an insurance adjuster. The lawyer will provide a ballpark estimate of the worth of your claim. When you mention this estimate, the adjuster understands that you know what you are about. If the estimate is fair, mentioning the range may even cause the adjuster to speed up the settlement process.
Don’t Share Witness Details
Insurance adjusters may ask questions regarding witnesses and witness statements. Make sure you don’t share any details regarding witnesses with the adjuster. Simply let the adjuster know that you may share information about any witnesses in the future.
Get Help From a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer
Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be tricky at times. This is why it is best to consult with a reliable lawyer before you initiate the claim. Here at Ted Greve & Associates, our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and settling claims. We aim to seek the maximum amount of compensation for our clients. We also advise you thoroughly on how best to handle the negotiations in order to ensure a fair settlement.
Get in touch with us now to discuss your Charlotte car crash claim.
