Insurance adjusters in California are merely employees of an insurance company. They are charged with the task of examining insurance claims for payment. They are considered the frontline in the war against the never-ending onslaught of accident claims. It is their job to pay out as little as acceptable. Many are capable, trustworthy citizens but there are some who will go the extra mile to save the company some money, even if it means bilking you out of your reasonable claim for reimbursement.
The most startling fact about insurance adjusters, the fact people must be continually reminded of, is their job is not to make it possible for accident victims to recoup their damages but to keep that from happening whenever possible. They are paid and often given bonuses to save the company from paying as many claims as possible. They meticulously search for any chance to deny each claim that crosses their desk. The reason this fact is so hard to remember is because they are so good at distracting victims from it. They strive to appear kind, caring, well-meaning and concerned for the victim. This is a falsehood.
Tools of the Trade
Insurance adjusters are taught very exclusive tools of the trade to help them perform their job to the best of their ability. These tools teach the adjuster what to say so they are not lying but can make the victim believe he is not eligible for a payment or influence him to take a much smaller amount than he is entitled too. The tricks of the trade are taught early on in an adjuster’s career and they learn to use them masterfully. Keep this tactic in mind and beware if an insurance adjuster applies any of the following tactics in your interview. He may be trying to deny you your reasonable claim for accident remuneration.
Fast Friends
You know that old saying; you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. So do insurance adjusters. If you find yourself thinking about what a funny, smart and awesome guy your insurance adjuster is at dinner one night, he’s got you. They know a compassionate, caring attitude goes a long way with victims in a lot of pain and under loads of stress. They may say something along the lines of “I know how hard this is for you and I’m going to do everything I can to help you.”
Lousy Lawyer Lessons
An experienced personal injury attorney is the bane of every insurance adjuster’s existence. They will attempt to dissuade your trust in your attorney. They may try to make you believe that you will get more money in your settlement without attorney fees or that they only care about their fee. This is an untruth. The vast majority of personal injury victims receive a higher settlement with an attorney fighting for them.
There is a lot people are not aware of about insurance claim adjusters. It is always a good idea to at least consult with an attorney in California before making any decisions in your personal injury case.