How to Scare an Insurance Adjuster and Get the Money You Deserve

When you’re hurt in an accident, the last thing you need is an insurance adjuster giving you the runaround. You’re in pain, watching the medical bills pile up, and just trying to put your life back together. And now, the adjuster is playing games, offering lowball settlements, or even trying to pin the blame on you. It’s infuriating. It’s unfair. And it stings.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let them get away with it. You have the power to fight back and get the compensation you deserve. The key is knowing how to “scare” the adjuster into doing the right thing. And that’s exactly what we’re going to cover in this article.

The Insurance Adjuster’s Job is to Protect the Company’s Profits, Not You

When you file an insurance claim after an accident, it’s assigned to an adjuster who will evaluate your case and determine how much the company should pay out. Adjusters use a variety of tactics to minimize settlements, such as:

• Lowball Settlement Offers — Adjusters often start with a low initial offer in hopes that you’ll accept it quickly out of desperation or lack of knowledge about your claim’s true value. Don’t fall for it!
• Questioning Your Injuries — Adjusters may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or suggest that they were pre-existing conditions not caused by the accident. This is why thorough medical documentation is crucial.
• Shifting Blame — If there’s any way to assign some fault for the accident to you, adjusters will try it. The more blame they can shift, the less they have to pay.

Remember, adjusters are not your friends. They’re loyal to the insurance company and trained to protect its interests.

Step 1: Gather Rock-Solid Evidence for Your Claim

To combat these tactics and show the adjuster you mean business, you need strong evidence to support your claim.

This includes:

• Police reports detailing the accident
• Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Thorough medical records and bills
• Witness statements backing up your story

In some cases, expert testimony can be the key to validating your claim and making the adjuster take you seriously.

This might include:

• Accident reconstruction specialists who can testify about how the crash happened
• Medical experts who can speak to the severity and long-term impacts of your injuries
• Vocational experts who can calculate your lost earning capacity if you’re unable to work

The stronger your evidence, the harder it will be for the adjuster to lowball or deny your claim.

Step 2: Know Your Rights and Use Them

Insurance companies have a legal duty to handle your claim fairly and in good faith. Knowing your rights under your state’s insurance laws and regulations can give you leverage in negotiations.

Sometimes, insurance companies cross the line into bad faith territory by:

• Unreasonably delaying the processing of your claim
• Failing to investigate your claim thoroughly
• Making threatening or harassing statements to you

If you suspect the adjuster is acting in bad faith, don’t be afraid to call them out on it. Adjusters take notice when you demonstrate that you’re prepared to take legal action if necessary.

This could include:

• Sending a strongly worded demand letter outlining your case and the compensation you expect
• Threatening to file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner

Just showing that you know your rights and are ready to exercise them can change an adjuster’s tune.

Step 3: Get an Attorney in Your Corner

When you’re facing off against a big insurance company, it can feel like David vs. Goliath. That’s where hiring a skilled personal injury attorney can be a game-changer. Here’s why.

Insurance companies know that attorneys mean business. Just having legal representation shows that you’re serious about your claim and won’t be pushed around. An experienced attorney knows all the tricks insurance companies use and how to counter them. They have the legal knowledge, resources, and tenacity to go toe-to-toe with adjusters and fight for the compensation you deserve.

When looking for a personal injury attorney, prioritize:

• Experience handling cases like yours
• A track record of successful settlements and verdicts
• Contingency fee arrangements, so you only pay if they win

The right attorney will be your fiercest advocate and send a clear message to the insurance company that lowball offers won’t cut it.

Step 4: Don’t Give Up, Persistence Pays Off

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of sheer persistence in wearing down a stubborn adjuster. Keep following up on the status of your claim. Don’t let them brush you off or give you the runaround. Consistent pressure shows you won’t just go away.

If all else fails, showing the adjuster that you’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial can be the ultimate scare tactic. When they see you won’t back down, they may suddenly become more reasonable.

We’re Here to Help You Get Justice

At Miley Legal, we’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies try to bully accident victims into accepting less than they deserve. We won’t let them get away with it.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and take cases to trial when needed. We’re not afraid to fight for our clients, and insurance companies know it.

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t face the insurance adjuster alone. Contact Miley Legal today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and develop a strategy to get you the money you deserve. Call now to get started.