Table of Contents
Introduction
When you suffer a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, you may decide to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages and losses. Insurance adjusters play a significant role in the success of your personal injury claim. They represent the insurance companies and are responsible for negotiating and settling your claim. Understanding the role of insurance adjusters in a Florida personal injury claim can help you prepare and proceed with your claim more effectively.
The Role of Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are professionals hired by insurance companies to evaluate and negotiate personal injury claims. Their role is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury, review medical records, assess damages, determine liability, and negotiate a settlement offer on behalf of the insurance company.
Investigating the Circumstances Surrounding the Injury
After a personal injury claim is reported, the insurance adjuster is assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury. This involves visiting the scene of the accident, interviewing witnesses, and gathering any relevant evidence, such as police reports or medical records. The adjuster will use this information to determine who was at fault for the accident and to what extent.
Reviewing Medical Records
The insurance adjuster will also review your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries and the expected costs of your medical treatment. This can include not only the immediate medical expenses but also any future medical treatment that may be required, such as rehabilitation or ongoing care.
Assessing Damages
The insurance adjuster will assess the total damages you have suffered as a result of the personal injury. This can include not only medical expenses but also lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other financial losses you may have incurred as a result of the injury.
Determining Liability
The insurance adjuster will evaluate all the evidence gathered during the investigation to determine who was at fault for the accident. In Florida, personal injury claims are subject to comparative negligence laws, which mean that damages are reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault for the accident. This means that the insurance adjuster will also be assessing your level of fault in the accident.
Negotiating a Settlement Offer
Once the insurance adjuster has completed their investigation, reviewed the medical records, assessed damages, and determined liability, they will negotiate a settlement offer on behalf of the insurance company. This offer will typically be a lump sum payment to cover all your damages and losses related to the injury.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
If you are filing a personal injury claim in Florida, there is a chance that you will have to deal with an insurance adjuster. It is essential to keep in mind that insurance adjusters do not work for you; they work for the insurance company. This means that their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They may use tactics, such as offering a low initial settlement offer, to try to get you to accept less than what you may be entitled to under the law.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney can be invaluable when dealing with an insurance adjuster. A skilled attorney can negotiate with the adjuster on your behalf, using their knowledge and experience to get you the compensation you deserve. They can also help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Conclusion
Insurance adjusters play an important role in a Florida personal injury claim. They are responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury, reviewing medical records, assessing damages, determining liability, and negotiating a settlement offer on behalf of the insurance company. Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be challenging, which is why it is essential to hire a personal injury attorney to help protect your rights and interests during the claims process.