Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous insurance adjusters. Many try to use unfair tactics to try to lower or lower the value of an insurance claim. Personal injury attorneys are experienced in helping to protect their clients from these practices.
Determination of a realistic estimate of the value of the case
Adjusters sometimes attempt to unfairly intimidate plaintiffs by bringing in so-called expert attorneys to write negative opinion letters regarding the value of the case. Remember, the insurance company will pay any attorney hired by the adjuster. Your own personal injury attorneys can review your claim and discuss the factors that may influence the estimated value of your claim.
Travel expenses as a small-time tactic
Insurance adjusters often try to convince claimants that it will be inconvenient for them to travel back to the accident jurisdiction to continue their claim. The idea is that claimants will compromise and accept a lower settlement amount rather than face travel, time, and expenses. The truth of the matter is that your physical presence may not be necessary at all. Your personal injury attorneys will discuss with you whether such a trip is necessary on your part.
Skeletons in the closet
Expect the adjuster to gather information about your background if you file an injury claim. The adjuster can expect you to agree to a reduced settlement rather than risk exposing private details about your life. They can, for example, try to determine if you have a misdemeanor on your record. Such an issue may have nothing to do with your injury claim, but the adjuster knows that the information may, in court, cast doubt on its general nature. Your personal injury attorneys can explain what is correct and if the information the adjuster has is relevant to your claim.
Rental experts
Adjusters often hire attorneys to write worthless opinion letters that bog down a claim and therefore make settlement negotiations difficult. Also, they can hire other experts to devalue your claim. These hired experts also work for the insurance company, not for you. Your personal injury attorneys can help evaluate these alleged expert opinions and discuss strategies for dealing with them.
While your claim cannot be guaranteed to be settled for a specific amount (if at all), a bad faith insurance attorney can help you avoid and respond to unscrupulous tactics used by some insurance adjusters. Keep in mind that the insurance company has an interest in making sure your claim is settled for a low amount or not at all.