Devaluation of Your Claim
Posted Thursday, October 3, 2013 by Chris Thayer
The insurance adjuster handling your claim will likely employ tactics to minimize the value of your claim. Your auto accident attorney in Seattle will be prepared for these tactics and will know how to move forward in spite of them.
Tactics Used by Adjusters
Using Deceitful AuthorityYour auto accident lawyer in Seattle is familiar with adjusters needing authority before moving forward with a settlement agreement. Some adjusters, though, will create false authority stating they are only free to settle for a minimal and unfair amount. Another authority that can be deceitful is the use of depreciation tables that, in reality, are hardly related to the actual value of your claim.
Refusing a Salvage AgreementYour auto accident lawyer in Seattle will tell you to be prepared for the insurance adjuster to refuse to accept your vehicle for salvage. In this case, you will not be paid the salvage value for your car and will be responsible for disposing of the vehicle yourself.
Failing to PayExpenses will arise throughout the course of your claim that your auto accident attorney in Seattle will attempt to have paid for by the insurance company. Many claims representatives, though, will refuse to do so in situations that they believe an alternative exists. This may come up if you need a rental car and, rather than paying this cost, the adjuster insists you find someone else to drive you around. Similar instances may arise when payment for lost wages or medical bills are requested.
Valuing Your TimeYour auto accident attorney in Seattle will warn you that the insurance company may minimize settlement by assessing the value of your time. Claims representatives know that claimants who are employed as doctors or lawyers, or are self-employed are unable to take the excessive amount of time off that would be required for trial. Your auto accident attorney in Seattle will tell you to be prepared if you are in a profession of this sort, as the adjuster will likely try to take advantage of your desire to avoid litigation by offering a low settlement amount.
Success with the Help of Your Auto Accident Attorney in SeattleClaims representatives know that most claimants are not experienced in personal injury claims and are easier to take advantage of if they are not represented by an auto accident attorney in Seattle. You can help improve your chances of success by hiring an auto accident lawyer in Seattle like Chris Thayer. Call (206) 340-2008 today for more information.