When filing an insurance claim in Georgia, especially after a car accident or other personal injury, dealing with insurance adjusters can be one of the most crucial – and challenging – parts of the process. Adjusters often have a friendly demeanor and may seem eager to help, but their primary goal is to minimize the payout from the insurance company. As a result, understanding the tactics adjusters use. As well as knowing the red flags to look out for, is vital for anyone navigating an insurance claim in Georgia. Here, we’ll outline key red flags to watch for and offer advice on how to handle these interactions.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters work on behalf of insurance companies, investigating claims, assessing damages, and determining how much compensation, if any, will be offered. While they might appear to be working to assist you, their responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company. Adjusters often receive extensive training on how to reduce claim values and how to identify reasons to deny or delay payments.
Red Flag #1: Adjusters Rushing You to Settle Quickly
One of the most common tactics used by insurance adjusters is to pressure claimants into settling as quickly as possible. While a quick settlement may seem appealing, especially if you’re dealing with financial stress from medical bills or property damage, these early offers are rarely in your best interest.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. A fast settlement offer is often much lower than the amount you may need to cover all expenses and damages. In Georgia, injuries sustained in car accidents may require ongoing treatment. So it’s critical to avoid settling before you know the full extent of your injuries and long-term needs.
- What to Do. Take your time to assess the offer. Georgia law allows two years to file a personal injury claim, so you generally don’t need to rush into accepting the first offer. Consult a personal injury attorney to review the settlement and determine if it covers your needs.
Red Flag #2: Downplaying the Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters might try to downplay your injuries to reduce the payout. They may suggest that your injuries are minor or imply that you’re exaggerating your pain levels. In some cases, they’ll even request medical records from years prior to your accident, looking for pre-existing conditions they can use to minimize your claim.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. Downplaying injuries is a tactic to get you to accept a low offer. In Georgia, insurance companies are required to cover accident-related injuries, even if pre-existing conditions were aggravated by the incident. If an adjuster is implying that your injuries are insignificant or unrelated to the accident, this may be a sign they are trying to reduce the claim.
- What to Do. Stick to the facts, and avoid discussing your health in detail without professional guidance. You may also want to seek an independent medical assessment to confirm your injuries and treatments. Additionally, speak to a lawyer before releasing any medical records.
Red Flag #3: Asking for a Recorded Statement
An adjuster may request a recorded statement, implying that it’s a routine part of the claim process. However, providing a recorded statement can be risky, as insurance companies may use any inconsistencies or minor errors against you.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. In Georgia, you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement, even though adjusters may make it seem obligatory. Any recorded statement you make could be used to question your claim, potentially minimizing or dismissing it.
- What to Do. Politely decline to give a recorded statement, and instead offer to provide a written statement if necessary. Before giving any statement, consult with an attorney to ensure you don’t inadvertently damage your case.
Red Flag #4: Adjusters Claiming You Don’t Need a Lawyer
If an adjuster insists that hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary, this is often a red flag. While adjusters might suggest that an attorney will just complicate the process or reduce your payout, this is typically said to discourage you from seeking representation that could increase your settlement.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. Insurance adjusters know that an experienced attorney will negotiate for a fair settlement and may challenge an undervalued offer. In Georgia, having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, especially in complex cases or those involving severe injuries.
- What to Do. Trust your instincts and consult a Georgia car accident attorney, especially if you feel your claim is being undervalued. An attorney can help you understand the true value of your case and advocate on your behalf.
Red Flag #5: Delays and Lack of Communication
Adjusters may delay communications or fail to provide timely updates on your claim status, hoping you will grow frustrated and accept a lower offer. In some cases, adjusters may even avoid returning your calls or emails, making it difficult to get information about your claim’s progress.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. Delays and poor communication may indicate that the adjuster is stalling in hopes of pressuring you into a low settlement. In Georgia, insurers are required to investigate claims promptly and communicate efficiently. Persistent delays may be grounds for filing a complaint with the Georgia Department of Insurance.
- What to Do. Keep detailed records of all communications with the adjuster, including dates, times, and the nature of each interaction. If delays continue, notify the adjuster in writing that you expect a timely response. Consulting an attorney can also help expedite the process.
Red Flag #6: Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies are known for making initial lowball offers, hoping that claimants will accept out of financial desperation or lack of awareness. This tactic is especially prevalent in personal injury claims in Georgia, where high medical bills and missed work often pressure individuals into settling.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. A low settlement offer generally fails to cover the true cost of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Georgia, you’re entitled to fair compensation for all accident-related losses, including ongoing treatments, future lost income, and non-economic damages.
- What to Do. Before accepting any offer, take the time to review all expenses related to the accident. Consult a personal injury attorney who can evaluate the fairness of the offer and potentially negotiate for a higher amount.
Red Flag #7: Denying Liability or Blaming You for the Accident
Adjusters may attempt to place partial or full blame on you, arguing that your actions contributed to the accident. They might also suggest that your injuries resulted from pre-existing conditions, unrelated events, or even your own negligence.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. In Georgia, which follows a modified comparative fault rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, if an adjuster wrongly places blame on you, it can reduce or invalidate your claim.
- What to Do. If the adjuster tries to deny liability or blame you, consult with an attorney who can help present evidence supporting your case. Never admit fault, and avoid discussing details without guidance, as any statement you make could impact your claim.
Red Flag #8: Pressuring You to Sign a Medical Authorization Form
Another common tactic used by adjusters is asking you to sign a medical authorization form, granting them access to your medical records. While this might seem like a standard part of the claims process, such forms often allow the adjuster to access more information than is necessary.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. Allowing full access to your medical history may enable adjusters to find reasons to devalue or deny your claim by attributing injuries to pre-existing conditions. In Georgia, you aren’t obligated to provide unlimited access to your medical records.
- What to Do. Avoid signing any forms without fully understanding what information the adjuster will have access to. If you’re asked to sign a medical authorization form, consider consulting an attorney to determine what’s appropriate to disclose.
Red Flag #9: Offering Legal Advice
Adjusters may sometimes offer legal advice or attempt to interpret Georgia law for you, subtly implying that their advice is in your best interest. However, insurance adjusters are not attorneys, and any legal guidance they provide may be misleading or incorrect.
- Why it’s a Red Flag. Insurance adjusters are not qualified to give legal advice, and any “advice” they offer is likely aimed at reducing your claim. In Georgia, only a licensed attorney can give you legal guidance.
- What to Do. Politely decline any legal advice from an adjuster and consult a Georgia-based personal injury attorney for guidance on your case.
Final Thoughts on Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Georgia
Filing an insurance claim after an accident or injury in Georgia can be stressful, and dealing with insurance adjusters often adds to the complexity. Recognizing these red flags can help you navigate the process with confidence, protect your rights, and maximize your potential recovery. Remember that Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so while it’s essential not to rush into a settlement, it’s also important to act within the legal timeframe.
If you encounter any of these red flags, consult a qualified personal injury attorney in Georgia. An attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. While adjusters may seem like they’re on your side, their primary goal is to save money for the insurance company – not to look out for your best interests. With the right approach, you can protect yourself and secure a fair settlement for your claim.