Usually, someone that has filed a personal injury claim has suffered a significant loss. That loss has motivated the filing of a personal injury claim. The adjuster must weigh the size of that claim against the strength of 2 other factors.
The insurer wants the adjuster to investigate what happened.
The adjuster examines various documents: The bills that show the extent of the claimant’s medical expenses; the proof of lost income, any evidence of pain and suffering, and any proof that the accident had other negative effects. The adjuster’s approach also includes a look at the limits that have been stated in the defendant’s insurance policy. In addition, adjusters study the strength of the plaintiff’s case.
A smart claimant can send meaningful messages to the adjuster.
If an adjuster hears or reads this: “I have hired a Personal Injury Lawyer in Edmonton,” then that means that the claimant stands ready to file a lawsuit, if the insurance company does not settle out-of-court.
Claimants that do not want to hire a lawyer can hire a paralegal. The paralegal can speak with one of the insurance adjusters. The paralegal might send this warning: You do not want us to hire a lawyer. That warning is another way to bring home the consequences of failing to settle.
If the plaintiff’s lawyer has some great evidence, that fact might get mentioned in the demand letter. For instance, the envelope with that letter might contain a picture of the plaintiff’s damaged vehicle or an itemized statement. The presentation of such evidence can be used to push for a lager compensation package.
The simple act of sending a demand letter might force an adjuster to make the initial offer higher than a typical low ball offer. A written request for justification of a low offer can put further pressure on the insurer’s chosen investigator (the adjuster).
Adjusters’ challenges
All insurers want their adjusters to get an assigned claim to end with a settlement, one that does not force the insurance company to pay a great deal of money. Still, if an adjuster keeps making low offers, the claimant that receives those offers might decide to file a lawsuit.
Insurers do not welcome news that a given claimant has filed a lawsuit. If that happens the adjuster becomes responsible for the results. Frequently, such a lawsuit ends with a verdict that forces the insurance company to pay a rather large award. A jury has seen that award as a fair compensation to the victim of an accident. Adjusters have no control over what a jury might decide. Still, an adjuster’s reasonable offers can work to satisfy a claimant, and prevent an unwanted lawsuit against the insurance company.