If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you probably have to deal with an auto insurance adjuster. Typically, you have to at least give a statement to your own insurance company after the accident, but you should never give a statement to the other party's insurance adjuster.
At Delsa Law Firm, LLC, we know how auto insurance adjusters are trained and how they operate. We have the negotiation skills to handle them. We know from experience when clients have tried to do so on their own, they are often intimidated or manipulated. Contact our office at (985) 882-1222 to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Delsa and learn how we can help you if you have been involved in an accident in Louisiana and must deal with an auto insurance adjuster.
Understanding Louisiana Auto Insurance Adjusters
Auto insurance adjusters play an important role after a car accident, so you should know just who they are and how they operate. In short, adjusters are employees of insurance companies whose main job is to investigate accidents and determine what the liability of the insurance company is. The loyalty of the insurance adjuster lies with the company, not with you. One of the ways that insurance companies make money is by paying out as little as they are legally obligated to, and experienced auto insurance adjusters know how to do this.
Tactics Used by Louisiana Auto Insurance Adjusters
Becoming familiar with the tactics that auto insurance adjusters use while evaluating claims is the best way to avoid falling prey to them. While not an exhaustive list, a few of the more common tactics include the following:
Look for Inconsistencies
An insurance adjuster could ask for a very thorough recorded statement from you, which they will then meticulously comb through, looking for any details that suggest an inconsistency in your story, which subsequently might represent an out for the insurance company. For example, you might tell an adjuster that you only injured your arm in a crash, but later you find out you also sustained a concussion. They may then turn around and use this information to suggest that a different event caused your injuries as opposed to the accident.
Delay the Process or Avoid Contact
Depending on the case, some adjusters might attempt to delay the case as long as they can, hoping that you will begin to feel the pressure of unpaid bills piling up. The thought is that if your bills start piling up, you'll become desperate and willing to accept whatever offer they throw at you. In these instances, stand firm and continue to contact them, no matter how frustrating it becomes.
Encourage a Rapid Settlement
On the other hand, adjusters may try to pressure to settle quickly in certain cases. This strategy might be used if the adjuster feels that you don't understand the full value of your claim, or that further investigation into it will uncover more damages that the insurance company could be liable for. Having the right attorney in your corner can ensure that you are taken care of in every situation.
How Can a Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer Help?
For most accident victims, the world of personal injury law can be a new and scary place. Hiring the right attorney can help.
At Delsa Law Firm, LLC, we will be able to properly value your claim to ensure that you don't accept a fast settlement offer and leave money on the table. We are familiar with the applicable laws in your case, which means that we can advise you on what insurance adjusters can and can't do. Ultimately, we will work with you and your family to make sure that you get the best settlement offer possible while handling all of the difficult negotiations.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Louisiana Today
Auto insurance adjusters are trained well. They have their employer's best interests as their priority, not your interests. Even if the auto insurance adjuster is representing your claim, they still want to minimize or avoid a settlement payout. This is particularly true when you file a first-party claim with your own insurer.
To make sure you get the compensation you deserve, you need to know how to handle auto insurance adjusters. Delsa Law Firm, LLC, has the experience and skill to assist you with dealing with auto insurance adjusters. Contact us today online or at (985) 882-1222 to schedule a free consultation.