Massachusetts Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Blog
How To Negotiate With Insurance Adjusters
Before a personal injury claim can be resolved, the case must be negotiated. Effective negotiation can lead to a just and fair settlement. Negotiating these claims with insurance adjusters is more of an art than a science.
As is the case within any negotiation framework, there is not one singular approach that works in all situations. Because of that, here are some general rules of thumb to use for effectively negotiating a claim with an insurance adjuster. These suggestions apply to car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, and all other settlement negotiations of injury claim cases.
Always Show Respect To The Adjuster
The fact of the matter is that claimants and adjusters are adversaries, but not enemies. They are both working for the same goal: to resolve the claim. Show respect to the adjuster and you will almost certainly be shown respect in turn.
Never Reduce Your Demand Figure Without First Receiving An Offer
Once you submit your settlement demand package, you should never reduce your demand figure without first receiving an initial offer. If you are asked to do that, reply firmly that you will not be bidding against yourself. Also, never, ever reveal your bottom line, no matter how many times you are asked to do so by the adjuster.
Never trust an insurance adjuster
I have written before on this very issue. When dealing with the claims adjuster for your claim, you must remember never to trust the adjuster. The insurance company wants to keep their money and not pay it out. Always keep that in mind.
If You Are Being Lowballed Hire A Boston Auto Accident Attorney
If the adjuster refuses to put fair money on the table, tell him/her you will hire legal counsel if the lowball offers continue. Hold firm and if the offer does not change to something reasonable, hire an attorney. The Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers would be happy to help you.