What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
An insurance adjuster plays a central role in handling incidents involving injuries and property damage. When an accident leads to a potential claim against an insurance policy—whether it’s an auto policy, business liability, or another form of coverage—an insurance adjuster steps in to investigate and evaluate the situation.
As employees of an insurance company, adjusters are responsible for investigating, assessing, and negotiating personal injury and/or property damage claims on the company’s behalf. Their primary goal is to determine how much, if anything, the insurance company should pay for a particular claim.
In fulfilling this role, an insurance adjuster may:
- Evaluate how and why an accident occurred
- Review police or accident reports
- The interview involved parties and eyewitnesses
- Inspect, photograph, or even test vehicles and accident scenes
When handling a personal injury claim, the adjuster also gathers:
- Medical treatment details and injury documentation
- Health care records and billing information
- Prior medical and accident history of the injured party
- Employment, wage, and education loss data
- Information about the ongoing effects of the injuries
If you’ve been injured in an accident, chances are you’ll be contacted by an insurance adjuster working for the other party’s insurance company. If this happens, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself during these interactions.
How Do You Negotiate a Settlement with an Insurance Claims Adjuster?
Know Your Rights
First and foremost, remember: you are not required to answer an insurance adjuster’s questions, especially if you are not represented by an attorney or are unfamiliar with the claims process. Speaking with an insurance adjuster too freely can potentially harm your case, particularly if you don’t know how the information will be used.
Insurance adjusters typically ask about:
- Your personal background
- The details of the accident or incident
- Any relevant insurance coverage
- The nature and extent of your damages
They may also request that you sign medical or employment record authorizations. Be cautious. You are not obligated to sign anything without first reviewing it carefully—or, ideally, consulting with an attorney. Providing unrestricted access to your personal information could give the insurance company grounds to minimize or deny your claim.
Negotiating with an insurance adjuster can be complex and intimidating, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. In many cases, working with a qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, strengthen your claim, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Insurance adjusters may also request personal information or a recorded statement. Be cautious when doing either. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who know exactly what information they need—and how to use it—to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. While they handle claims every day, most accident victims have little to no experience navigating these types of interactions.
Take Control of Communication
When an insurance adjuster contacts you, take control of the conversation. Ask:
- Who are you speaking with?
- Why are they calling?
- Who do they represent?
Also determine whether the adjuster handles property damage, medical payments, or bodily injury, or whether they’re involved as an investigator. Be sure to ask for their full name, contact information, and the claim number associated with your case. Keeping detailed records of every interaction helps you stay organized and protected.
Make Informed Decisions
After an accident, you’re likely dealing with unexpected injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. While you’re trying to heal, the insurance company is already working behind the scenes on your claim. Any inaction or uninformed decisions you make during this time could jeopardize your ability to recover full compensation.
It’s critical to remember that an insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to limit the company’s liability and reduce the amount they have to pay. Adjusters are not obligated to offer legal advice or ensure your well-being. Their goal is to resolve claims quickly and for as little as possible.
Although adjusters will ask about your injuries and request related documents, they often delay payment until a settlement is reached. This process can be confusing, and victims sometimes share too much information too soon, including recorded statements or unrestricted medical and employment records. Doing so can result in a settlement that falls short of covering your total losses and damages.
Get Legal Advice & Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident and are contacted by an insurance adjuster, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before disclosing any information. Your attorney can:
- Handle all communications with the insurance company
- Conduct a full investigation of your claim
- Accurately assess your damages
- Protect your rights every step of the way
Never settle a personal injury claim without a full evaluation by a qualified attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and request more money, even if your injuries worsen or new issues arise. You only get one chance to settle your claim. Make sure it’s the right one.
If you’re navigating a personal injury claim, contact the attorneys at Habush Habush & Rottier for a free consultation. We’ll make sure you’re treated fairly and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
