Should You Trust an Insurance Adjuster Over a PI Lawyer?
After an accident, many of us are left unsure about who to trust—an insurance adjuster or a personal injury lawyer. The adjuster may sound helpful, but their main goal is to save money for the insurance company. On the other hand, a lawyer’s focus is usually on helping victims recover what they’ve lost.
In crowded cities, where injury cases are common, people often seek guidance from professionals dealing with serious claims daily. For legal support that puts injury victims first, some choose to contact Abels & Annes, P.C. These attorneys work specifically with people hurt in crashes, falls, and other accidents.
So, the big question is: should we trust the person hired by the insurance company or someone whose job is to look out for us? Let’s break it down.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
Think of an insurance adjuster as someone who checks out your claim for the insurance company. They look at the damage and determine how much the company should pay. It’s important to know that the adjuster’s main goal is to save the insurance company money.
This means they might try to offer you a lower settlement than you deserve. They might also question who was at fault for the accident to avoid paying your claim.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
Now, a personal injury (PI) lawyer has a different job. They work for you, the person who got hurt. They aim to help you get as much money as possible for your injuries and losses. This includes your medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
A good PI lawyer can talk to the insurance company and fight for your rights. If the insurance company isn’t fair, your lawyer can even take your case to court.
Key Differences in Trustworthiness
Let’s explain why trusting an insurance adjuster over a PI lawyer can be risky.
Loyalty is Key: An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to protect the company’s money. On the other hand, a personal injury lawyer works for you. Their loyalty is to you and your best interests.
Understanding What You Deserve: Insurance adjusters might not fully explain all the money you could get. For example, they might not talk much about money for future medical care you might need. A PI lawyer knows how to calculate all your damages, even the ones that aren’t obvious immediately. You can learn more about the types of compensation you might be entitled to from resources like this information on personal injury claims.
Dealing with Pressure: Adjusters sometimes try to get you to settle your case quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries. They might use pressure tactics to get you to accept a lower offer. A PI lawyer knows these tactics and can fight back to protect you.
- The Power of the Law: A personal injury lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf if the insurance company isn’t being fair. An insurance adjuster can only offer you a settlement. They don’t have to do anything else if that offer isn’t good enough.
When an Adjuster Might Seem Trustworthy
Sometimes, if your accident was very simple and it’s clear who was at fault, the insurance adjuster might seem easy to work with. They might process your claim quickly. However, even in these simple cases, the offer they make might not be enough to cover all your future needs. It’s always wise to be careful.
Why a PI Lawyer Is Almost Always the Safer Choice
Without legal help, we’re at a serious disadvantage. The insurance company has training, resources, and time on their side—we don’t. A personal injury lawyer helps level the field.
Studies show that most injured people who hire a lawyer receive more money than those who deal with adjusters independently.
