3 Reasons an Insurance Adjuster May Offer a Lowball Amount
Dealing with injuries and vehicle damage after an accident can be upsetting, and many report that coping with intricate details of insurance claims adds an additional layer of stress. For example, many individuals find themselves in a situation where insurance adjusters offer lowball settlements, meaning the financial amount introduced is not enough to cover the full scope of damage.
While the settlement negotiation process is not familiar terrain for a lot of people, New Orleans personal injury lawyers regularly work on cases where insurance companies employ strategies to minimize payouts. To secure the relief you need, seek legal representation and protect your rights.
#1 Citing Documentation Gaps
It is the job of an insurance adjuster to look over every piece of documentation related to your claim. From medical records to police reports, as an adjuster reviews these documents they may look for any inconsistencies, which they would then use to justify offering a lower settlement.
Attorneys have skills to counteract the possibility of an adjuster reducing a settlement due to documentation gaps. For example, legal professionals will do their own evidence review and will track down all of the medical documentation necessary to support your claim and gather witness statements, if possible.
#2 Rushing a Settlement
Insurance companies may also try to capitalize on the urgency of your situation by pressuring you to accept a quick settlement. If you are experiencing financial strain, they may be hoping you will accept a lowball offer. This will give you immediate relief, even if the monetary amount is smaller than what you could have obtained if you had pushed back, and allow them to close the case. If this is a strategy being used, an adjuster may emphasize the need for a speedy resolution or subtly suggest that any delay would jeopardize the low offer on the table.
Resisting the urge to accept a quick settlement and carefully reviewing your options is part of protecting yourself. A lawyer can help you navigate these pressures, advising you on the appropriate timing for settling your claim. They have the expertise to negotiate effectively and are familiar with all timelines and deadlines that need to be followed.
#3 Downplaying Injuries
The severity of injuries and harm sustained could be downplayed to justify a lower settlement amount. This could be done through arguing that your injuries are minor or pre-existing, but when you hire a New Orleans personal injury lawyer they can collaborate with medical professionals in order to establish the true extent of your injuries, ensuring that the compensation received is commensurate with the physical, emotional, and financial toll of the accident.
Did you receive a settlement offer you believe is unfair? When pursuing recovery, acknowledging that insurance adjusters could employ tactics to reduce or deny claims is part of shielding yourself from lowball offers. Enlist the support of the dedicated injury attorneys at Palazzo Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected and justice is served after an injury sustained in New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna. Call 504-433-1442 for a fee-free, confidential consultation.
