In the wake of a serious car accident, having to deal with an insurance adjuster can seem like one task too many. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your injuries and other damages, but what happens if you don’t agree with the adjuster’s evaluation? At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we know the uncertainty and frustration you are facing. Our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys can help guide you through the claims process, ensure your rights are protected, and even deal with the insurance company on your behalf. To ensure that you receive full and fair financial compensation for your damages, call us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Does the Claims Process Work?
The claims process that follows a car accident can be intimidating and complicated, particularly if you have never dealt with an insurance adjuster before. After an accident, the claims process is initiated when you contact your insurance carrier. One of the first things they will do is assign an adjuster to your case. Their job is to assess your total damages and calculate how much financial compensation you could be entitled to. Regardless of the circumstances or severity of the accident, it is important to gather strong evidence that supports your claim, such as hospital bills, police reports, and vehicle repair estimates. Be ready to negotiate, as the first settlement offer you receive is almost certainly going to be a lowball offer that does not even begin to cover all of your damages. If this happens, you should get a second opinion or consult with an experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorney for advice.
Why Might I Disagree With the Evaluation?
There are numerous reasons why you might disagree with the adjuster’s evaluation of your car accident, such as:
- Insufficient Payout: The settlement you were offered does not cover your medical bills and vehicle replacement or repairs
- Fault Dispute: Contesting the adjuster’s determination of who was at fault for the accident
- Undervalued Vehicle: The adjuster has undervalued the cash value of your vehicle
- Denied Claim: Your claim was denied, making you ineligible for compensation
- Inadequate Coverage: The adjuster did not take the full scope of your auto insurance policy into account
- Disputed Liability: The adjuster failed to acknowledge all parties involved in the incident
If you do not agree with the adjuster’s findings, it is essential to gather any documents that support the amount of compensation you feel you deserve. Next, contact a skilled Virginia Beach car accident attorney who can help you through the claims process and make sure you receive the full amount of damages to which you are entitled.
What Steps Can I Take if I Disagree With the Insurance Adjuster’s Evaluation?
If you disagree with the adjuster, steps you can take to protect your right to fair compensation include:
- Collecting Evidence: Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene, get copies of your medical records, and save all vehicle repair estimates.
- Reviewing Your Insurance Policy: Make sure you understand the extent of your coverage and your rights under your policy.
- Being Persistent and Patient: Don’t just accept a lowball settlement so you can move on. Work with an attorney who can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Considering a Second Opinion: Ask your attorney or an independent appraiser to assess the value of your claim.
- Arbitration or Mediation: Explore alternative methods of dispute resolution.
- Speaking with an Attorney: Seek reliable legal guidance to ensure you understand all of your legal options.
- Filing a Complaint: If the adjuster absolutely refuses to make you a fair offer, file a complaint with their employer.
The adjuster’s assessment of your case is not carved in stone. With skilled legal support and strong evidence, you can challenge their evaluation
How Can a Virginia Beach Car Accident Attorney Help My Case?
Working with an experienced car accident attorney can be extremely beneficial in cases where you were offered a lowball settlement or your insurance claim has been denied. In complex cases involving multiple parties or contested liability, their knowledge and resources are invaluable. If you sustained serious personal injuries, an attorney can make sure you obtain maximum compensation for your medical bills and lost earnings as well. Additionally, a skilled car accident attorney can advise you on the best course of action to take, especially if negotiations fail and filing a lawsuit becomes necessary.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
When you partner with an experienced Virginia Beach car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn &Sharo, you receive critical protection and support against the underhanded tactics often employed by insurance companies, which will ultimately strengthen your claim and increase your odds of receiving a fair settlement. That is how we were able to achieve a $150,000 jury verdict for one of our clients when the insurance company refused to make him a fair settlement offer that took into account the worsening of his pre-existing degenerative condition. If you have questions or concerns regarding an insurance adjuster’s evaluation of your claim, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our Virginia Beach car accident attorneys by calling (833) 997-1774 or filling out our online contact form. Our offices are in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Hampton.