After an accident, you might assume the insurance company will simply "do what's right." Unfortunately, it's rarely that simple. Insurance adjusters evaluate your claim with their company's interests in mind — not yours. Understanding how they work puts you in a better position to protect yourself.
The Adjuster's Job Is to Save the Insurance Company Money
Adjusters are trained professionals whose primary goal is to settle claims for as little as possible. They may seem friendly and empathetic, but their job is fundamentally adversarial to your interests. The faster they close your claim — and the less they pay — the better for their employer.
How They Evaluate Your Claim
Adjusters look at a range of factors when assessing what your claim is worth:
- Medical bills and treatment: They review all documented expenses and may question whether treatments were "necessary."
- Consistency of treatment: Gaps in medical treatment can be used to argue your injuries weren't as serious as claimed.
- Pre-existing conditions: They look for ways to attribute your injuries to prior conditions rather than the accident.
- Your statements: Anything you say — especially recorded statements — can be used to undervalue or deny your claim.
- Social media: Adjusters may review your public social media activity to find evidence inconsistent with your claimed injuries.
- Fault percentage: In West Virginia, your compensation can be reduced by your degree of fault in the accident.
Common Adjuster Tactics
- Making a quick, lowball settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Requesting a recorded statement and using your words against you
- Delaying the claims process hoping you'll accept less out of financial pressure
- Disputing the severity of your injuries
How an Attorney Levels the Playing Field
When you hire Persinger & Persinger, you gain an advocate who understands adjuster tactics and knows how to counter them. We handle all communications with the insurer, document your damages comprehensively, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement — or take your case to court if necessary.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.