After an accident, it's common to feel disoriented and unsure of what to do. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and property damage can be a heavy burden, and it's during this period that most will likely hear from an insurance adjuster. If you've been involved in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, understanding the role of this individual is fundamental to protecting your rights.
Antaramian Law, APC provides dedicated representation in personal injury cases across California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kern Counties. With nearly a decade of experience as a defense attorney for insurance companies, Attorney Andrew Antaramian has a unique inside perspective on how insurance adjusters operate and can provide guidance on how to maintain an edge when pursuing compensation.
An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is an individual who investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of the insuring company's liability. They work for the insurance company, not for you. Their primary objective is to resolve your claim for the lowest possible amount, saving their employer money.
Adjusters gather information by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, inspecting property damage, and examining your medical records. They will also typically speak with you directly and may request a recorded statement. While they may appear friendly and helpful, it is important to remember their allegiance is to their company's bottom line. Their goal is to find reasons to minimize or deny your claim.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who employ various strategies to protect their company's financial interests. Being aware of these common tactics can help you protect your own interests.
One of the first things an adjuster will likely ask for is a recorded statement about the accident. You are not legally required to provide one. The purpose of this request is often to get you to say something that can be used against you later. You might be in pain, on medication, or may not remember all the details clearly. An innocent misstatement could be interpreted as an inconsistency or an admission of fault, damaging your claim.
If liability seems straightforward, an adjuster may offer a quick settlement soon after the accident. This might seem like a relief, as it provides immediate funds. However, these initial offers are almost always far less than what your claim is actually worth, and they are typically made before the full extent of your injuries and long-term medical needs is known. Accepting a quick settlement means you forfeit your right to seek further compensation, even if your condition worsens or you require future surgeries.
Adjusters often try to minimize the severity of your injuries. They might suggest that your pain is not as bad as you claim or that your medical treatments are unnecessary. They will closely scrutinize your medical records, looking for any pre-existing conditions they can use to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. This is a common way they attempt to justify a lower settlement offer.
Another common tactic is to delay the claims process. The adjuster might be slow to return calls, repeatedly ask for the same documents, or create unnecessary hurdles. These delays are often intentional. The insurance company hopes that the mounting financial pressure from medical bills and lost wages will make you desperate enough to accept a low offer. They are aware that waiting can wear a claimant down.
California has specific laws and regulations designed to protect consumers from unfair practices by insurance companies and their adjusters. The California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations outline the duties and standards that must be followed.
Under these regulations, insurance companies are required to act in good faith. This means they must conduct a thorough, fair, and objective investigation of your claim. They cannot misrepresent facts or policy provisions and must respond to communications from you within a reasonable time. For example, they are generally required to acknowledge a claim, begin their investigation, and provide necessary forms and instructions within 15 calendar days of receiving notice.
Insurance companies are also prohibited from attempting to settle a claim for an amount that is unreasonably low. They must provide a reasonable explanation for any settlement offer. If they deny a claim, they must state the specific reasons for the denial in writing, referencing the policy language. Any adjuster who knowingly engages in unfair claims practices can be held accountable, and the insurance company may face penalties.
An experienced personal injury attorney acts as your advocate and a buffer between you and the insurance adjuster. From the moment you hire a lawyer, all communication from the insurance company must go through your legal representative. This stops the adjuster from contacting you directly, protecting you from pressure and manipulative tactics.
Your attorney will handle all negotiations, backed by a thorough investigation of their own. They will gather all the necessary evidence, calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, and build a strong case to support your demand for fair compensation. Having a lawyer shows the insurance company that you are serious and prepared to go to court if a just settlement cannot be reached.
Antaramian Law, APC has years of experience handling personal injury cases in California. Attorney Andrew Antaramian understands the challenges you face and is committed to securing the compensation you deserve. From handling negotiations to representing you in court, the firm works tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf.
Located in Glendale, California, the firm serves clients throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kern Counties. If you have been injured in an accident, contact Antaramian Law, APC for trustworthy legal support for your personal injury claim.
After an accident, it's common to feel disoriented and unsure of what to do. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and property damage can be a heavy burden, and it's during this period that most will likely hear from an insurance adjuster. If you've been involved in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, understanding the role of this individual is fundamental to protecting your rights.
When a serious accident occurs, physical injuries are often the most visible and immediate concern. However, the emotional and psychological impact can be just as debilitating, leaving lasting scars long after the physical wounds have healed. If you're facing emotional distress following an injury, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
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