Don’t ever underestimate the devious nature of a claims adjuster. They’re trained to investigate motor vehicle accident cases in such a way, if at all possible, to make you look bad.

Question: "How does Dan know that"? Answer: "Because he was on that firing line for over 30 years"!

Dan observed many unsuspecting individuals fall prey to the trickster who sought to protect his company’s pocketbook at the expense of a legitimate claimant.

Most adjusters are hard-nosed, thick-skinned and difficult to deal with. If that’s the case you should be firm and aggressive but not hostile. You should make a thoughtful presentation - - which relies on the power and persuasiveness of a sound demand - - adequately documented and properly communicated to the adjuster.

When dealing with the typical adjuster there are four crucial areas you should keep in mind. They are as follows:

(1) YOUR FIRST MEETING: When you first meet avoid admitting or creating the impression that you’re fully recovered from your injury. If you’re naturally a happy, gregarious sort, forget it! Get rid of your smile and laugh. You’re conducting serious business. You must always remember you’re bartering with a person who is paid to take financial advantage of you and they’ll do everything in their power to nibble away at the true value of your loss.

(2) DATE AND TIME FOR MEETINGS: Schedule them during the hours of normal work days, even if evenings or weekends would be more convenient for you. If the adjuster asks you what your rational for this is, advise him there are certain “consultants” you may want to phone during business hours for guidance during the negotiations. If he wonders out loud who these people could possibly be, tell him, “There are several, like the Insurance Commissioner, for example.” That will cause him to sit up and take notice!

(3) ALWAYS ASK A WITNESS TO BE PRESENT: An adult friend or relative should be with you. Choose someone - - preferably not a spouse - - who can attend each meeting, wherever it may be. Having this witness present will keep the adjuster guessing and may come in handy later, especially if the adjuster lies or misleads you and/or if he should be thinking about attempting to implement high-handed or unethical tactics. (Question: "Is that a possibility"? Answer: "Take it from Dan - -  Indeed it is"!) .

(4) TAPE THE DISCUSSION: You should have a tape recorder present. A tape recorder will send a strong message to the adjuster. One that says you plan to double-check everything he tells you. If nothing else, it will go a long way in keeping him from spewing forth the negative verbal garbage the may have worked for him in the past. A tape recorder will (more often than not)stop him dead in his tracks!

As your claim makes its way to a conclusion the three crucial questions you should ask the adjuster are: (1) How much money will you pay me as a fair settlement for my provable “Special Damages”? (2) How much money will you pay me for my motor vehicle and all other property damage? (3) PLUS, THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE: What is the amount you’re going to pay me for my “Pain and Suffering”?

When you begin to get down to the nitty-gritty he’ll usually begin a slow waltz by asking a question like, “What do you think your claim is worth"?

Such a question is predictable because he prefers that you be the one who makes the dollar demand first. Why? Because you may ask for less than he was preparing to offer. Also (if you make an excessive demand) he’ll not have committed himself to an offer which was so small it left no room for further negotiations. In other words, the adjuster is in the best position to exercise “Command Control” over your manipulation (and the setting of the dollar amount to be paid) when it’s you that talks about settlement dollars first. Don’t provide him with this advantage !

To win this contest the initial settlement offer must come from the adjuster, before you make your demand. Why? Because at that point it’s all about who gets to control the value of your claim - - you or the adjuster.

Hold out and insist upon his making that first offer - - warning him that it must be one that’s realistic and made in good faith. Then, and only then, is when you should respond with your initial demand. Up until that point never let him know what you’re willing to settle for. If you do you’ll lose control and when that becomes a reality he’ll do whatever he can to take advantage of you and that could cost big bucks!

Copyright (c) 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

Dan Baldyga's third insurance claim book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" sucessfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury!

DISCLAIMER: This article "How To Deal With The Typical Adjuster" is intended for background information. It’s purpose is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, nor PERFORMANCE ARTICLES.com makes any guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR purports to engage in rendering any professional legal service, substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired IT IS THE INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain it.

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