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How to Handle Insurance Adjusters After an Accident

  • On Behalf Of Colton Holm
  • Published: May 30, 2025

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and dealing with insurance adjusters afterward can add to your stress. However, knowing how to handle these adjusters is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation for your injuries or damages. An experienced auto accident attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf for the best-case outcome.

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What Is An Auto Accident Claim?

Motor or car insurance claim form with ballpoint pen and car model

An auto accident claim is a formal request for compensation filed by an individual who has suffered injuries, property damage, or other losses due to a car accident. This claim is typically directed toward an insurance company, either the at-fault driver’s insurer or your own insurer, seeking financial recovery for damages such as medical bills, lost earnings, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering.

Most states have a “fault” or “tort” system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for covering the resulting damages. Claimants can pursue compensation through insurance claims or, if necessary, by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party. The process begins with reporting the accident, gathering evidence like police reports and medical records, and negotiating with insurers to reach a fair settlement.

Navigating an auto accident claim can be complex due to the tactics of insurance companies and legal nuances. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts by disputing fault, offering low settlements, or delaying payments. Always document all damages thoroughly, including medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress, to strengthen their case. Hiring a personal injury attorney is usually best for negotiating with insurers, gathering evidence, and, if necessary, pursuing litigation.

Insurance Process After A Car Accident

After a car accident, the insurance process can seem overwhelming. Your first step should be to report the accident to your insurance company. They will assign an insurance adjuster to your case, who will be responsible for evaluating your claim and determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to. The adjuster will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to assess the extent of your injuries and damages.

Once the insurance adjuster has completed their investigation, they will decide on your claim. They may offer you a settlement, which is an amount of money that they believe is fair compensation for your injuries and damages. It’s essential to carefully review any settlement offers before accepting them. If you think the offer is too low or unfair, you have the right to negotiate with the insurance adjuster or seek a car accident attorney to help with your case.

How Does The Insurance Company Value A Car Accident Claim?

Gavel judge with money and toy cars on gray background

When an insurance company values a car accident claim, it follows a structured process to determine the compensation owed to you or the injured party. This process involves evaluating multiple factors, including vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost earnings, and other losses. Remember that the insurance company has its financial interests at heart, and you may need a tenacious auto accident lawyer to ensure you are fairly compensated:

Liability Assessment

The first step is determining who is at fault for the accident. Insurance adjusters investigate claims by reviewing police reports, witness statements, photos, and other evidence, such as traffic camera footage or dashcam recordings. Your auto accident lawyer will conduct their own investigation.

Property Damage Evaluation

The insurance company assesses the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle that was damaged. For repairs, adjusters rely on estimates from auto repair shops or their own inspections, taking into account parts, labor, and any additional damage discovered during the process.

Medical Expenses and Bodily Injury

If you have injuries, the insurer evaluates medical costs, which may include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments such as physical therapy. Adjusters request medical records and bills to verify expenses and may consult medical experts to determine if treatments were necessary and reasonable. In cases of severe or permanent injuries, future medical costs and long-term care are factored in, often requiring expert testimony or life care plans to estimate these expenses accurately.

Lost Earnings and Earning Capacity

If the accident caused the claimant to miss work, the insurer may compensate for lost earnings. It requires documentation, such as pay stubs or employer statements, to confirm income and time off. For claimants with long-term or permanent injuries, the insurer may also consider loss of earning capacity, especially if the injury prevents them from returning to their previous job or working at all. Calculations for future lost earnings often involve economists or vocational experts to project income losses over time.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, are harder to quantify. Insurers often use formulas, such as multiplying economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5, based on the injury’s severity. Alternatively, some use a per diem approach, assigning a daily rate for the entire recovery period. Severe injuries, emotional distress, or permanent disability typically increase these damages, but insurers may scrutinize claims to minimize payouts, requiring detailed documentation or legal arguments to justify higher amounts.

Common Problems With Insurance Adjusters After A Car Accident

nsurance agent writing on clipboard while examining car after accident claim being assessed and processed

After suffering an injury in a car crash because of another person’s negligence, arguing with insurance adjusters is the last thing that you want to do. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can be challenging. Some common problems that you may encounter include:

Delayed or Denied Claims

Insurance adjusters may try to delay the processing of your claim or deny it altogether. They may argue that your injuries or damages are not covered under your policy or that you were at fault for the accident. In these situations, it’s essential to review your policy carefully and seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.

Low Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may offer you a settlement far below what you are entitled to. They may try to pressure you into accepting a low offer by claiming it’s their final offer or that you won’t get anything if you don’t take it. It is vital to consult with an attorney who can evaluate the value of your claim and negotiate on your behalf.

Unfair Evaluation of Injuries and Damages

Insurance adjusters may downplay the severity of your injuries or damages to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. They may argue that your injuries are pre-existing or not related to the accident. It is essential to provide thorough documentation of your injuries and damages, including medical records and repair estimates, to support your claim.

When communicating with insurance adjusters, it is essential to remain calm and collected, stick to the facts, and avoid providing unnecessary information or admitting fault. It is also vital to document all interactions, including written correspondence and phone calls, to have a record of the conversations. Remember, insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their goal is to minimize payouts. It’s essential to be cautious and retain a skilled car accident lawyer to represent you.

What Does A Car Accident Attorney Do For Your Claim?

If you are facing challenges with an insurance adjuster after a car accident, hiring an auto accident lawyer may be in your best interest. An attorney can provide you with valuable guidance and support throughout the claims process and communicate with the insurance company for you. Here are some ways that a car accident attorney can help:

  • Evaluation of Your Claim: A car accident attorney will assess the value of your claim based on the extent of your injuries, damages to your vehicle, medical expenses, lost earnings, and other factors. They have experience in handling similar cases and can provide you with an accurate estimate of the compensation you deserve.
  • Gathering Evidence: An attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and collect relevant evidence to strengthen your claim. They will interview witnesses, review police reports, obtain medical records, and hire experts if necessary. This evidence will help support your case and prove the other party’s negligence in the accident.
  • Representation in Court: A car accident attorney will provide strong representation if your case goes to court. They will present your case to a judge and jury and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.

Also, a skilled auto accident attorney is trained to protect your interests and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. When you hire an auto accident attorney, they will take the following actions with the insurance adjuster:

Your Lawyer Communicates For You

Your auto accident lawyer acts as your advocate, shielding you from direct communication with the insurance adjuster. Adjusters may attempt to contact you soon after the accident, sometimes catching you off guard with questions designed to elicit responses that can weaken your claim. By funneling all communication through your attorney, you avoid the risk of saying something that might be used to undervalue or deny your claim. Your lawyer knows how to respond strategically, providing only the necessary information while protecting your rights.

Gathers Evidence To Prove Fault To The Insurance Adjuster

Next, your attorney gathers and organizes compelling evidence to strengthen your case. Insurance adjusters often request documentation, such as medical records, police reports, and repair estimates, to evaluate your claim. A skilled lawyer ensures that all evidence is comprehensive and presented in a way that demonstrates the extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. This thorough preparation counters any attempts by the adjuster to downplay the severity of your injuries or the accident’s impact.

Negotiates With The Insurance Company Better Than You Can

Your lawyer also negotiates assertively to secure a fair settlement. Insurance adjusters may offer a quick, lowball settlement to close the case early, hoping you’ll accept it without realizing the full scope of your damages. An experienced attorney evaluates the actual value of your claim, considering both current and future costs, such as ongoing medical treatment or diminished earning capacity. They engage in skilled negotiation, pushing back against inadequate offers and advocating for a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

What Is Your Car Accident Claim Worth?

Lawyer meeting with judge's gavel and wooden toy car

Determining the value of your car accident claim can be a complex process. Fortunately, your experienced auto accident lawyer knows how to value serious accident claims. Several factors are taken into consideration when calculating the worth of your claim, including:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of your medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. It also consists of any future medical expenses that may arise from your injuries.
  • Property Damage: This includes the cost of repairs to your vehicle or the fair market value if your car is deemed a total loss. It may also include the replacement value of any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
  • Lost Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost earnings. It includes both past lost earnings and future lost earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of the ability to enjoy life as you did before the accident. It includes participating in activities or hobbies you can no longer engage in due to injuries.
  • Punitive Damages: In rare cases, if the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

It is important to note that every car accident claim is unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the specific details of your case. Consulting with a skilled car accident attorney is the best way to determine the worth of your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Speak To A Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been involved in a car accident and are facing challenges with an insurance adjuster, it is vital to seek legal advice. Contact an auto accident attorney near you who focuses on car accident cases to discuss your options and protect your rights. Remember, dealing with insurance adjusters can be complex, and having an experienced injury lawyer serving in Billings, MT by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation today.

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Colton Holm

At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning
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Call us today: (406) 259-9986