When you’re involved in a Michigan car accident, one of the first people you might hear from is an insurance adjuster. These professionals work for insurance companies, and their job is to evaluate claims and determine how much the insurance company should pay for your damages and injuries. 

While insurance adjusters might seem friendly and sympathetic, their main objective is to minimize payouts or even deny claims for the benefit of the insurance company. That’s why it’s important to know how to deal with insurance adjusters to protect your rights and secure fair settlement.

Let our qualified car accident attorney in Muskegon discuss the common tactics adjusters use to reduce payout and what you can do to ensure you get the insurance benefit you’re entitled to.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters to Reduce Payouts

Insurance adjusters use various strategies to reduce the amount of money their company ends up paying you after a car accident. Here are some common tactics you should watch out for:

• • Downplaying Injuries

Insurance adjusters might assert that your injuries don’t require extensive medical treatment or suggest that such injuries were pre-existing conditions rather than a result of the accident to reduce the medical expenses you can claim. If you don’t have adequate medical documentation, you can find yourself at a disadvantage.

• • Questioning Liability

Adjusters might question who was truly at fault and try to push even a fraction of the blame onto you to reduce the insurance payout. For instance, the insurance adjuster might argue you were not wearing a seatbelt, driving too fast, or that you contributed to the accident in some way. 

• • Pressuring You to Settle Quickly

Some adjusters might offer a seemingly attractive but ultimately low settlement soon after the accident. When you’re in pain, recovering from injuries, or worried about mounting medical bills, a quick offer can look tempting. However, these early settlement figures usually don’t cover long-term medical costs or potential complications.

• • Suggesting You Sign an Early Settlement Agreement

Signing any paperwork without understanding the full legal and financial implications can cost you thousands of dollars. Early settlement agreements often have clauses that free the insurance company from any future liability, meaning you can’t ask for more money if your injuries worsen over time.

No matter how you interact with an adjuster—by phone, email, or mail—it’s essential to document every single communication. Keep a log of dates, times, and the nature of each conversation, and keep copies of every letter or email you receive. Detailed records help you catch inconsistencies or false statements that might come up later in the claims process.

Steps to Take When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters in Muskegon

Staying informed and cautious can greatly improve your chances of securing a fair settlement. Here are some practical steps on how to deal with insurance adjusters effectively:

Stay Calm and Polite

Even if you believe the adjuster is being unfair, it’s always best to keep your composure. Getting angry or confrontational might only give them ammunition to claim you are being uncooperative. A calm, patient approach puts you in a better position to retain control of the conversation.

Be Concise

You don’t need to share every detail of your personal life or financial situation. Stick to the basic facts of the accident—the date, time, location, vehicles involved, and any immediate injuries you observed. Avoid offering guesses or speculations. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s perfectly acceptable to say, “I don’t know.”

Keep Medical Records and Other Evidence Organized

Your medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos are the backbone of your claim. Organize them so you can quickly back up any statements you make about your injuries or the accident’s cause. The better organized you are, the less likely the insurance adjuster can dispute your claims.

Never Admit Fault

Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning the insurance companies of the parties involved typically cover the losses of their policyholders regardless of who caused the accident. Still, avoid making statements—even saying “I’m sorry”—that can be interpreted as taking responsibility for the crash. 

Consult a Car Accident Attorney 

Before having detailed conversations with the insurance company, consider speaking to a local car accident attorney in Muskegon. An attorney can guide you on what information to share and what to hold back and communicate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, ensuring you don’t unintentionally weaken your case.

Don’t Sign Any Documents Without Legal Review

If an insurance adjuster presents you with a document to sign, do not rush into it. You might be signing away certain rights or agreeing to a settlement that doesn’t fully address your needs. If you ever feel pressured to sign something quickly, that’s a red flag. Always consult your attorney before signing any documents.

How an Attorney Can Protect Your Rights Against Insurance Companies

Legal representation often means the difference between a low settlement and a payout that covers the full extent of your losses. In one Muskegon car accident case, for example, the insurance company initially offered the injured resident only $30,000. However, with the help of Shafer Swartz PLC, the victim took the case to trial and was awarded a $2.6 million jury verdict. 

The dramatic increase from the initial offer highlights the difference that a skilled car accident attorney in Muskegon can make. If you’re dealing with an insurance adjuster on your own, you might miss out on a much larger sum that truly reflects your current and future needs, including your long-term medical bills, lost earnings, as well as pain and suffering.

Don’t Face Insurance Adjusters Alone—Consult with Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Muskegon Today!

Insurance adjusters are trained to secure the best outcome for their employer, not for you. That’s why you need skilled legal professionals in your corner who understand how to deal with insurance adjusters and fight for the compensation you deserve. With extensive experience handling car accident claims, Shafer Swartz PLC is here to help.

Our seasoned car accident attorneys in Muskegon know exactly how to negotiate with insurance adjusters for the best possible results. We won’t let insurance companies push you into a quick settlement that leaves you struggling to pay for ongoing medical treatment or other expenses. Contact us today at (231) 722-2444 or here to schedule a consultation.