How Are Insurance Adjusters Different from Attorneys?

Insurance adjusters and attorneys are two accident professionals you are likely to encounter if you are involved in a compensation dispute following a Pennsylvania or New Jersey car collision. While both of these roles are important to the resolution of your case, they are different jobs.
Generally, the roles differ because insurance adjusters represent the interests of insurance companies while attorneys advocate for their clients. For many people, working with a Bucks County personal injury attorney levels the playing field when negotiating with insurance adjusters. A lawyer will fight for your interests and protect your rights throughout the process.
Exploring the Distinctions Between Adjusters and Attorneys
To make it easier to understand how an adjuster’s job is different from that of an attorney, it is often helpful to review the roles and responsibilities of each position.
Insurance adjusters have the following roles after a traffic accident:
- Work on behalf of insurance companies. An adjuster’s job is to protect the interests of the insurer by minimizing the company’s financial liability. They investigate, assess, and negotiate claims with that goal in mind.
- Evaluate the extent of damage. All losses associated with a claim, including injuries and property damage, will be reviewed. An adjuster may also gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review relevant documents to assess the validity of a claim. Identifying factors that might reduce the claim’s value or lead to its denial is part of the evaluation process.
- Trained negotiators. Adjusters are seasoned negotiators when it comes to insurance claims. They may attempt to settle a claim with claimants quickly in an effort to minimize payouts for the insurance company.
When you hire an attorney, they will do the following:
- Advocate for you. Attorneys work for their clients, whether they are individuals, businesses, or organizations. Their objective is to represent their clients’ interests and achieve the best possible outcome within the bounds of the law.
- Provide you with legal guidance. Lawyers give their clients guidance and represent them in legal disputes. With an extensive background in state law, they understand the complexities of cases and know how to gather evidence and build a strong case for their clients.
- Negotiate toward maximum amounts. Attorneys negotiate on behalf of their clients and aim to secure maximum settlement amounts while ensuring that their clients’ rights and interests are protected during the negotiation process.
- Your lawyer is loyal. There is a duty of loyalty when you hire an attorney. They are bound by professional ethics and legal obligations.
Professionals Working Together
While insurance adjusters and attorneys are very different, they often work together in the resolution of insurance claims. A Bucks County personal injury attorney can help you through the complexities of insurance claims and negotiate with an insurance adjuster who is familiar with the ins and outs of the policies involved.
Should you hire an injury attorney? In order to secure a full and fair settlement, project yourself from low-ball offers from insurance adjusters. Talk to the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. Call 215-968-6602.