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Why the Defendant’s Insurance Adjuster Tells You Not to Hire a San Antonio Attorney

Why the Defendant’s Insurance Adjuster Tells You Not to Hire a San Antonio Attorney

When you’re injured in an accident, one of the first people you’ll hear from is the defendant’s insurance adjuster. Often, they’ll tell you something along these lines: “You don’t need an attorney. We can handle this directly and save you money.” But why would an insurance company representative, whose job is to protect their employer’s bottom line, be concerned about your financial wellbeing?

The Insurance Adjuster’s Primary Goal

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their primary responsibility is to minimize the company’s financial exposure by settling claims for as little as possible. This isn’t a secret—it’s simply their job.

When an adjuster discourages you from hiring a San Antonio personal injury attorney, they’re acting in their employer’s best interest, not yours. Let’s examine the real reasons behind this common tactic.

The Financial Reality: Represented Claimants Receive Higher Settlements

Insurance companies don’t want you to know this, but research consistently shows that accident victims who hire attorneys receive significantly higher compensation than those who negotiate on their own.

The Insurance Research Council found that accident victims who hire attorneys receive settlements that are, on average, 3.5 times larger than what unrepresented claimants receive—even after attorney fees are subtracted. This striking difference reveals why insurance adjusters are so quick to discourage legal representation.

Time Pressure and Quick Settlement Offers

After an accident, insurance adjusters often contact victims quickly—sometimes while they’re still receiving medical treatment. They may offer what seems like a generous settlement, but with a condition: you must accept quickly.

This urgency serves the insurance company in several ways:

  1. You haven’t had time to fully understand the extent of your injuries
  2. You haven’t consulted with medical specialists about long-term prognosis
  3. You haven’t calculated future medical expenses or lost income
  4. You haven’t had an opportunity to speak with an attorney

Quick settlements almost always favor the insurance company, not the injured person. A San Antonio personal injury attorney will ensure you understand the full value of your claim before making any decisions.

The Knowledge Gap Between Adjusters and Accident Victims

Insurance adjusters are professionals who handle claims every day. They understand the complex legal landscape of personal injury law, including:

Most accident victims handle maybe one or two claims in their lifetime. This knowledge gap puts unrepresented claimants at a severe disadvantage. Your San Antonio personal injury attorney bridges this gap, ensuring you’re negotiating from a position of strength and understanding.

The “Attorney Fees” Misconception

One of the most common tactics used by insurance adjusters is to suggest that hiring an attorney will ultimately reduce your compensation. They might say: “Why give up 33% of your settlement to an attorney when you can keep 100% by working directly with us?”

This argument is misleading for two important reasons:

  1. Most personal injury attorneys in San Antonio work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case
  2. As mentioned earlier, represented claimants typically receive settlements that are 3.5 times larger than unrepresented claimants

Simple math shows that even after attorney fees, represented claimants usually walk away with significantly more compensation. For example, if an unrepresented claimant receives $10,000, a represented claimant might receive $35,000. After a 33% contingency fee ($11,550), the represented claimant would still receive $23,450—more than double the unrepresented amount.

Insurance companies have teams of investigators who immediately begin collecting evidence after an accident. Without an attorney, you’re at a disadvantage in gathering and preserving crucial evidence such as:

A San Antonio personal injury attorney has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost or overlooked. This evidence often proves decisive in maximizing your recovery.

Texas has unique laws that affect personal injury claims. Insurance adjusters count on your unfamiliarity with these laws, such as:

Your San Antonio attorney understands these Texas-specific considerations and ensures your claim complies with all legal requirements.

Medical Treatment and Documentation

Insurance adjusters may encourage you to minimize your medical treatment or suggest that certain treatments are unnecessary. They know that medical documentation is crucial evidence in personal injury claims.

A personal injury attorney ensures you receive appropriate medical care and that your injuries are properly documented. They can also work with medical experts to establish the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.

The Value of Your Time and Peace of Mind

Handling a personal injury claim is time-consuming and stressful. It involves:

A San Antonio personal injury attorney handles these tasks for you, allowing you to focus on what’s most important: your recovery.

When Litigation Becomes Necessary

Not all personal injury claims can be resolved through negotiation. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit is necessary to achieve fair compensation. Insurance adjusters know that without an attorney, your ability to pursue litigation is limited.

Your personal injury attorney can seamlessly transition from negotiation to litigation if necessary. This capability significantly strengthens your position during settlement negotiations.

The Importance of Proper Damage Calculation

Many unrepresented claimants focus solely on immediate expenses like medical bills and lost wages. They may not consider other compensable damages, such as:

A San Antonio personal injury attorney ensures all appropriate damages are included in your claim, maximizing your potential recovery.

Insurance Company Tactics and How Attorneys Counter Them

Insurance companies employ numerous tactics to minimize payouts:

  1. Disputing liability
  2. Minimizing injury severity
  3. Attributing injuries to pre-existing conditions
  4. Delaying claim processing
  5. Making lowball offers when financial pressure is highest

Your attorney recognizes these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. They can also protect you from making statements that might harm your claim or signing documents that limit your rights.

The Value of Attorney-Client Privilege

Conversations with insurance adjusters are not confidential. Anything you say can be used to devalue or deny your claim. In contrast, communications with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege, allowing you to speak freely without fear that your words will be used against you.

Conclusion: The Choice Is Clear

When an insurance adjuster tells you not to hire a San Antonio attorney, they’re acting in their employer’s best interest, not yours. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that accident victims who hire attorneys receive larger settlements, even after attorney fees are considered.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Antonio, consulting with a personal injury attorney costs you nothing and may significantly increase your compensation. Most reputable personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, allowing you to understand your options before making any decisions.

Remember: insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their interests. Shouldn’t you have a professional protecting yours?

Resources for Accident Victims in San Antonio

By understanding why insurance adjusters discourage legal representation, you can make an informed decision that protects your rights and maximizes your recovery after an accident in San Antonio.