An insurance adjuster is the person that you will work with to gain a settlement if you are injured in some type of accident by another party (read also “Common auto accident injuries”). This adjuster will process your claim and decide on a settlement amount.
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How Settlement Negotiations Work
If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision and the other part is at fault, it is up to that party’s insurance company to pay for your injuries and other expenses related to the accident. In order for this to happen, someone from the company, the insurance adjuster will have to examine the facts surrounding the incident to make a determination. (Read also “Most common insurance topics”)
The insurance adjuster, who may be called a claims specialist, a claims adjuster, an insurance claims representative, or even an independent claims analyst, will determine if the other party is indeed at fault for the accident or incident to see if that party is liable for your insurance claim or if it is covered under the existing insurance policy.
If the insurance adjuster finds that the other part is not at fault, your claim will be denied. You should receive a letter or other form of written verification of this denial.
However, if the claims adjuster decides that it is likely the other party’s fault, he or she will begin an investigation to decide how much liability the other party has and how much your claim may be worth.
How The Insurance Adjuster Handles Your Accident Claim
The adjuster will begin an investigation into the matter. He or she will obtain copies of the police report. The insurance adjuster may also want statements from you, the other party at fault, and any witnesses to the event. This can be done through interviews or written, often notarized, statements from anyone involved.
The insurance adjuster may come out in person to inspect any damage that occurred to your property because of the accident. He or she may also speak with a company regarding appraisals of the damage. While you may be able to choose your own repair company, the insurance adjuster may request you to take your vehicle or other property to an appraiser of their choice.
File A Car Wreck Claim | Handling Auto Accident CasesAdditionally, the claims adjuster may want copies of your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries and how that will translate into a financial settlement.
Once this information is provided to the insurance company, you may be offered a settlement. It is important that you understand that accepting this settlement is an agreement that the claim is satisfied even if you find out that you have more extensive injuries later. Once you accept the settlement, there is no going back.
Why Insurance Adjusters Want to Process Accident Claims Quickly
Time is money, and insurance companies are in business for profit. The insurance adjuster will want to settle your claim as quickly as possible and for a low amount to save the costs faced by the insurance company.
Although this person may seem like they have your interests at heart, it is important to understand that he or she works for the other party whose sole interest is to make money. The first settlement offer you receive may not be the best that they can give you. This makes it ultimately important for you to speak with a qualified attorney before you sign any documentation or accept a settlement from an insurance company. Your lawyer will fight for your rights to get you the best award settlement possible.
Read also: Why Can’t You Seem to Get An Quick And Honest Response From The Insurance Adjuster
Call Sandoval Law Firm of Houston at (346) 347-7777 today to get started on your car accident pain and suffering claim.
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