When someone is injured in an accident, one of the first calls they might receive is from an insurance adjuster. These adjusters often sound helpful and friendly—but it’s important to understand that their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not the injured person’s best interests.
On the other side of the table are personal injury attorneys, whose role is to fight for fair compensation. Behind every injury case is a quiet but powerful battle over what the claim is really worth.
Let’s take a closer look at how this process works—and why having an experienced attorney makes all the difference.
What Insurance Adjusters Are Trained to Do
Insurance adjusters are professionals hired by insurance companies to investigate claims and determine how much the company should pay. Their goal? Settle the case quickly and for as little money as possible.
Here are some common tactics they use:
🗣️ 1. Get a Recorded Statement Early
Adjusters often call soon after an accident asking for a recorded statement. They may sound friendly, but they’re trained to get you to say things that could hurt your claim later.
Example: “I’m feeling okay” could be used to argue that your injuries weren’t serious.
📝 2. Downplay Injuries
They may suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, especially if you delayed seeking medical treatment or didn’t follow up consistently.
💵 3. Offer Quick (Low) Settlements
Many adjusters offer a fast payout in exchange for signing away your right to future compensation. These offers are often far below what your case is truly worth, especially before the full extent of your injuries is known.
🧮 4. Use Software to Calculate Settlements
Insurance companies often use computer programs that assign dollar amounts to injuries based on average costs—not on your actual experience. These systems don’t always account for pain, suffering, or long-term effects.
⏳ 5. Delay the Process
Sometimes adjusters purposely slow things down, hoping you’ll get frustrated or desperate enough to accept a lower settlement.
How Attorneys Fight Back
Personal injury attorneys know how insurance companies operate—and they’ve developed strategies to make sure clients are treated fairly.
✅ 1. Handle All Communication
Once you hire an attorney, the insurance company must go through them. This prevents you from being manipulated or pressured into saying something that weakens your case.
📚 2. Build a Strong Case with Evidence
Attorneys collect medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions to clearly show how the accident happened and how badly you were injured.
💼 3. Negotiate Aggressively
Experienced lawyers know how to respond to lowball offers. They can argue the true value of your case based on the facts, not what a computer says.
⛔ 4. Spot Bad Faith Tactics
If an insurance company acts unfairly—delaying without reason, refusing to communicate, or denying a valid claim—your attorney can take legal action for bad faith practices.
🏛️ 5. Go to Trial if Needed
While most cases settle, attorneys are prepared to go to court if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement. Insurance companies know this—and often settle to avoid a courtroom battle.
Why This Battle Matters for You
When you’re hurt, you may face medical bills, lost wages, pain, and stress. If you accept an unfair settlement, you could be left covering future expenses out of your own pocket.
Insurance adjusters work for the company. Attorneys work for you.
What You Should Do After an Accident
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the insurance company without legal advice.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer.
- Seek medical attention and follow through with treatment.
- Contact a personal injury attorney early in the process.
Final Thoughts: Fairness Isn’t Automatic—It’s Fought For
The reality is, getting fair compensation isn’t guaranteed—especially when insurance companies are focused on profits. But with the right legal team, you can level the playing field.
If you or someone you love has been injured, don’t let an insurance company decide what your case is worth. Speak to an attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
