Q: Is it normal for adjuster to send details to my boss about an open claim to pressure me to settle?
I was injured when rear ended by an uninsured motorist while driving a company vehicle. I'm currently going back and forth with my company's insurance. The adjuster keeps threatening to close the claim, trying to pressure me into signing the release. Recently, he sent an email to my supervisor at work outlining where we were at. Now I have pressure from the adjuster and my supervisor to sign the release. Is that normal for an adjuster to contact my boss?
A:
I would highly recommend stopping what you are doing, and hiring a personal injury attorney immediately. Do not say another word to the insurance adjuster until you do. This is a common tactic engaged in by insurance adjusters that are not represented by an attorney, as they will never take you seriously.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will almost certainly add more value to your case than their fees, and will ensure that all of the legalities are taken care of, as uninsured motorist claims are more complicated than they seem. In addition, a personal injury can assist you in reducing the amount claimed by medical providers in the form of liens, thereby increasing your overall recovery and decreasing your stress and risk. Personal injury attorneys can also threaten legal action if they are engaging in bad faith conduct in violation of various Illinois statutes. Finally, many of us offer free consultations, so it truly is the best decision to consult with counsel as soon as possible. Otherwise, you are doing yourself a disservice.
A:
If your boss is the policy-holder, yes, it is normal. Pressuring you to settle is part of the adjuster's job. Assisting his insurer is the policy-holder's obligation.
If you were injured, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to get anything approaching fair value.
A: Contact a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Assn for the county where the business is. They give free consults. The adjuster has a duty to you as the insured to keep your interests paramount and isn't doing this. As to talking to your supervisor, much depends on what they said to the supervisor. At minimum it's tacky. Contact an ITLA member now.
A: Insurance adjusters apply all sorts of tactics to pressure you to take less money than your claim is worth. I'd recommend hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you and who can deal with the adjuster on your behalf. I'd start by looking for a lawyer who is a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
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