After suffering an injury, one of the first things most people do is file a claim with their insurance company. They believe that their insurance adjuster is on their side, working to ensure that they receive compensation for their injuries. However, insurance adjusters are often more focused on minimizing the payout and protecting the interests of the insurance company than they are on fairly compensating victims. At Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC, we know how adjusters operate, and we’re here to help you avoid their hidden tactics to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Many insurance companies train their adjusters to use various strategies that can undermine your claim, making it more difficult for you to receive fair compensation. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common ways adjusters try to undermine injury claims and offer strategies you can use to protect your rights throughout the process.
Offering Lowball Initial Settlement Offers 
One of the first things an insurance adjuster will often do is offer you a settlement soon after your accident. This may seem like a generous offer at first, but it is almost always far lower than what your claim is worth. The goal of the adjuster is to get you to accept this offer before you have had the time to fully assess your injuries and understand the long-term consequences they may have on your life.
Many people, in their eagerness to put the situation behind them, accept these early offers. Unfortunately, accepting a low settlement offer often means that you won’t have enough money to cover all your medical bills, lost wages, and future costs related to the injury. By offering you a low settlement, the insurance company aims to save money at your expense.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies know that delays can put a lot of pressure on victims. When they drag out the claims process, they hope you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement just to get the claim over with. Adjusters may stall for time by requesting additional paperwork or claiming that they need more time to investigate your case. These delays can leave you in a vulnerable position, financially struggling while waiting for the claim to be processed.
By prolonging the process, the adjuster also reduces the chances that you’ll accurately assess the full extent of your injuries. The longer it takes for you to recover physically and emotionally, the more likely it is that you’ll agree to an early settlement, often one that’s not in your best interest.
Attorney At Law Attorney At Law Attorney At Law
Adam Princenthal
David May
Matthew Wilson
Discrediting Your Medical Records
An insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the amount of money the company pays out, and one way they do this is by questioning the validity of your medical records. They may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or suggest that your medical treatment isn’t necessary. By casting doubt on your medical documentation, they hope to weaken your case and reduce your settlement amount.
They might even hire their own doctors to conduct “independent medical examinations” (IMEs). These IMEs are often set up to downplay the severity of your injuries or to claim that they are pre-existing. The goal is to diminish the value of your claim and ultimately reduce your compensation.
Pressuring You Into Providing a Recorded Statement
After an accident, an insurance adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about the incident. While you are legally obligated to cooperate, you are not required to give a recorded statement right away. It’s essential that you consult with a lawyer before making any statements to an insurance adjuster.
The reason adjusters request recorded statements is that they can use your words against you later. Anything you say can be twisted to suggest that you were partially at fault for the accident or that your injuries aren’t as serious as they appear. Even a seemingly innocent comment can be misinterpreted and used to minimize your claim.
Disputing Liability for the Accident
Insurance adjusters will often try to dispute liability by suggesting that you were at least partially at fault for the accident. In Georgia, the state’s comparative fault law allows insurance companies to reduce your compensation based on the degree to which you are found to be at fault. If the adjuster can show that you were even partially responsible for the accident, your settlement could be significantly reduced.
Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, an adjuster might argue that you contributed to the accident in some way, such as not wearing a seatbelt or driving too fast for the conditions. They may even try to argue that you didn’t take reasonable steps to avoid the accident. These tactics are designed to create doubt about liability and reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.” - Debau I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner." - Nancy K. I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!" - Jacque Minor
Using Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) to Undermine Your Claim
One of the more insidious tactics that insurance adjusters use is arranging an Independent Medical Examination (IME). While the term “independent” suggests that the doctor will be neutral, the reality is that these doctors are typically chosen because they are more likely to downplay the severity of your injuries. The adjuster will then use the findings of this examination to argue that you don’t need as much compensation for your medical treatment or that your injuries are less severe than you claim.
The key to countering this tactic is to have your own doctor involved in your care and to document everything carefully. If the adjuster’s IME report contradicts your physician’s findings, it is essential to consult with your attorney to determine how to handle the discrepancy.
Minimizing Pain and Suffering Damages
Insurance adjusters will also attempt to minimize your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These damages are harder to quantify than medical bills or lost wages, but they can significantly impact the value of your claim. The adjuster may argue that your pain is not as severe as you claim, or they may assert that you are exaggerating your symptoms.
By trying to downplay the impact that the injury has had on your life, the adjuster aims to reduce the total value of your settlement. It’s essential to keep a detailed record of how your injury affects your day-to-day life, as this can be critical in proving the extent of your pain and suffering.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney How Long Will a Personal Injury Case Take?Related Videos
How to Protect Your Claim
If you find yourself up against an insurance adjuster who is using these tactics to undermine your injury claim, it’s essential to take action to protect your rights. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consult with an Attorney: A personal injury lawyer is your best ally when dealing with insurance companies. They will help you navigate the claims process, ensure your rights are protected, and advocate for you in settlement negotiations.
- Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all medical treatments, communications with the insurance company, and any other relevant details. This will help you build a strong case and protect against any attempts to discredit your claim.
- Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer: Insurance companies often offer settlements that are much lower than you deserve. Always consult with your attorney before accepting any offers.
- Understand Your Rights: Knowing your legal rights and the insurance laws in Georgia will help you navigate the claims process more effectively. Your attorney will help you understand what you are entitled to and how to fight for it.
Representative Cases
At Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC, we have years of experience fighting for individuals who have been injured in accidents. If you are struggling with an insurance claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.