Fort Myers Guide to Dealing With Insurance Adjusters in Personal Injury Claims

Summary: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. If you’ve been injured in Fort Myers—where over 7,600 injuries happen annually—protect your rights by understanding adjuster tactics, Florida laws, and when to involve a personal injury attorney. Don’t face insurers alone—Wolfson & Leon offers free consultations at 239-777-9954 to help you navigate the process.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or a slip-and-fall in Fort Myers, you're not alone. In Florida, 28,342 civil cases were filed in federal court by March 2023. Many of these filed cases involved personal injuries. Lee County, which includes Fort Myers, sees an average of 7,627 injuries annually.

Many of these cases are settled - or stalled - by insurance companies. At the center of these interactions are insurance adjusters, whose goal is to save money for their company, not necessarily to compensate you fairly.

Understanding how to deal with adjusters can make or break your claim. Here’s what you need to know.

Insurance adjusters, sometimes called claims adjusters, are professionals hired by insurance companies to evaluate claims. Their responsibilities include:

• Investigating accident details
• Reviewing medical records
• Assessing damage and injuries
• Determining fault
• Recommending settlement amounts

Adjusters often have financial incentives tied to how much money they save the insurer. This can impact their behavior, including:

• Pushing quick, lowball settlements
• Delaying claim processing to pressure you
• Seeking statements that reduce your payout

Insurance companies may seem helpful, but many adjusters are trained to use specific tactics to protect their bottom line.

Here are some red flags:

1. Lowball Settlement Offers
   • You may get an offer quickly after the accident—before your injuries are fully evaluated. This offer is usually far less than you deserve.
2. Delays in Communication
   • Deliberate delays are used to wear down claimants. You might hear, “We’re still reviewing your case,” when they’re hoping you’ll give up or accept less.
3. Recorded Statements
   • Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. Anything you say can be used against you, and even innocent comments can be twisted.
4. Blaming You for the Accident
   • Adjusters can reduce or eliminate your compensation by asserting partial or full fault. Florida's comparative negligence laws allow for payouts to be reduced if you're partially at fault.

To level the playing field, keep these tips in mind:

• Florida follows a modified comparative fault system.
• You now have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit, down from 4 years under the old law.

Early offers very rarely reflect the full value of your claim, especially if your medical treatment is ongoing.

• Keep photos of injuries and accident scenes.
• Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence.
• Take down the names and numbers of witnesses.

Adjusters have attorneys—so should you. Here’s when to seek help:

• You’re being blamed for the accident
• The adjuster delays or ghosts you
• You’re offered a settlement that feels low
• You’re unsure what your case is worth
• You suffered serious injuries or missed work

Fort Myers is a high-accident area with major roads like US-41 and I-75 seeing frequent crashes. A local attorney understands:

• Lee County courts and judges
• Medical providers and cost structures
• Common insurance company tactics used in the area

Wolfson & Leon has served Fort Myers residents in zip codes like 33901, 33905, 33908, and others. We know how to fight for full compensation.

If you live in or around the following Fort Myers ZIP codes, you have access to local support and legal aid:

• 33901 – Downtown Fort Myers
• 33905 – East Fort Myers, Buckingham
• 33907, 33908, 33919 – South Fort Myers
• 33912, 33913, 33966, 33967 – Near Gulf Coast Town Center and Florida Gulf Coast University
• 33916 – Midtown

Whether you’re recovering from a car crash or a slip at a local business, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Call Wolfson & Leon at 239-777-9954 for a free consultation.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, it's important to remain calm and polite and ask who they represent - this can make a big difference. If they're from your own insurance company, you'll generally need to cooperate as part of your policy, which may include providing a recorded statement. However, if the adjuster works for the other party's insurance, you are not required to give a statement. In that case, simply let them know you have legal representation and direct them to contact your attorney. Unless it's your own insurer asking, do not agree to give a recorded statement. If you've hired Wolfson & Leon, we'll handle those conversations for you. No matter who reaches out, be sure to inform your attorney right away.

You can - but is it worth it? Insurance adjusters are professionals with training and legal backup. If your injuries are serious, you risk settling for far less than you deserve without legal help.

As of 2023, you have 2 years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.

You still have options. A denial can be appealed or litigated. When you work with an experienced attorney, they help gather evidence to challenge the decision.

Fort Myers residents face real risks on the roads and in public spaces, with thousands of injuries reported annually. While working with insurance adjusters is a critical part of the recovery process; it can have its share of potential pitfalls.

Don’t let an insurance company dictate the value of your recovery. Call Wolfson & Leon at 239-777-9954 for your free consultation. We’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve and hold negligent parties accountable.