Donald Trump’s “The Art of the Deal” may claim to teach you everything you need to know about negotiations, but it’s not likely Trump wrote a chapter on negotiating with your insurance claims adjuster. Yet, individuals who have suffered personal injuries in Minneapolis, Minnesota may find themselves having to negotiate for their settlements, precisely at the time in their lives when they are the most vulnerable.
According to the Consumer Federation of America, few insurance policy holders understand how adjusters determine the value of their claims. As a result, many car accident victims may accept the “low ball” settlements being offered. So, how does an adjuster determine the value of your claim? And, what can you do if you’ve been offered a “low ball” settlement?
Personal injury claims were once evaluated by adjusters who reviewed each case closely and determined what victims deserved to receive. Yet, as adjusters have moved on to use computers to help them with claims, the human element has been removed from the equation. The formulas these programs use can be easily manipulated to offer lower settlements than individuals may deserve. The result is that injured individuals may be offered less money and often accept less money. Adjusters may also not be trained to evaluate specific details of a case. Individuals may be working with individuals who are largely relying on computer software to determine the settlement amounts.
According to Seattle Pi, adjusters are sometimes evaluated not based on their ability to help insurance holders, but in their ability to negotiate with consumers. Their ability to tailor their strategies to the individual before them is sometimes seen as more important than their ability to assist accident victims. In some cases, adjusters were rewarded for paying less. Some adjusters were even trained to convince insurance holders against hiring an attorney.
So, what can you do if you’ve been hurt in an accident and you need to speak to an adjuster? First, you should make sure you understand your policy and what it covers. Next, you should enter the conversation with a generally good understanding of what you hope to receive for a settlement. This may require a fair assessment of the value of your claim. You may also be entitled to take into account future medical expenses and bills when considering these figures. If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to receive, it may be wise to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Minneapolis, Minnesota such as the lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino. An attorney can look at your insurance policy, review your medical expenses, and help you decide whether the insurance adjuster’s offer is fair. If it isn’t fair, an attorney may be able to assist you in negotiating a settlement, or may take your case to court to protect your rights.
You pay for insurance with the understanding that it will protect you if you get hurt. However, insurance companies sometimes have their bottom line in mind when you make a claim. It is important to understand that an initial offer may be lower than what you deserve. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino offers qualified representation to individuals who have suffered personal injuries in Minneapolis, Minnesota.