Dealing with the Adjuster: Evaluation

This month, we will be looking at the issue of talking to the adjuster. It is not unusual for insurance companies to have specific adjusters who are hired to speak with unrepresented people. Clearly, this is being done to save the company money and minimize their liability.

How are they putting a value on the offer they give you? Often, we will see people come in with $500.00 or $1,000 offers. These offers are meant to get you quick, easy money but rarely satisfy what your damages are. In Minnesota there are what is called tort thresholds. If you do not meet a threshold, then you do not have a claim for pain and suffering. Consequently, the money that they pay you would basically be money you would never be able to receive under a lawsuit. But, if you meet a threshold, that money is woefully inadequate in many cases. The research done out there suggests that people who are not properly represented get about 1/3 of what the people who are properly represented receive. Taking the quick, sometimes easy money is probably putting yourself in that first category.

If you, your family or someone you know is in an accident, it is worth taking the time to sit down and talk to an experienced law firm with success in helping people that are injured through no fault of their own. The consultations are free and it allows you to figure out what rights you have after an injury.