What to Do If the Insurance Adjuster Comes Back with a Lowball Offer

If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, you deserve to be compensated for all associated damages. Whether the liable party’s insurer agrees, however, is another story.

Because carriers ultimately want to protect their bottom line, they will often devalue claims—at least the ones they can’t outright deny—and hope the victims are desperate enough that they’ll accept less than they deserve. If you’re planning on filing a personal injury claim, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with these kinds of negotiation tactics, so you’re prepared to counter them.

If the insurance adjuster comes back with a lowball offer, for example, here are some of the best ways to proceed:

1. Request More Information

Chances are the carrier’s offer isn’t accompanied by an itemized list of all the damages they’re compensating you for and the estimated value of each. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re not entitled to such information.

If it’s obvious the insurance adjuster ignored much of the losses you claimed, ask them for more information regarding how they arrived at the figure they did. By evaluating their response, you can determine which areas of your case need bolstering, so you can pursue the maximum payout possible.

2. Submit More Detailed Documentation

If you want the carrier to consider giving you a higher payout, you’re probably going to have to submit additional evidence to support your request. Assuming you already asked how they calculated their initial offer, you should have some idea of the kinds of documents you’ll need to submit with your counter.

If they shorted you on medical bills, for example, you may need to consult relevant specialists, who can speak on the kinds of health care expenses you’ll likely incur over the course of your lifetime as a result of your injuries. If they devalued or overlooked non-economic damages, on the other hand, you may be able to use psychological evaluations and statements from friends, loved ones, and colleagues to paint a clearer picture of your pain and suffering.

3. Consider Going to Court

Unfortunately, there are some scenarios in which carriers refuse to cooperate. If the insurance adjuster simply won’t budge on their lowball offer and your legal team thinks your claim will likely hold up in court, filing a formal lawsuit may be the best way to proceed.

Once the insurer realizes you’re serious about seeking the funds you deserve, they may become a lot more willing to negotiate, so you don’t even have to go all the way to trial. Otherwise, a judge or jury will evaluate the facts of the case and issue a verdict, which might include a fair payout in your name.

Call 772-266-5555 to Discuss Your Case with a Stuart Personal Injury Attorney

If you were hurt because of another party’s negligence, you have enough to worry about without having to handle complex negotiations. For help with your claim, turn to Donaldson & Weston.

Since we believe everyone is entitled to legal representation regardless of their circumstances, we require no money upfront, nor do we charge a retainer for our services. Call 772-266-5555 or use our Online Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Stuart.