What is an Insurance Adjuster? | Legal Perspective from Gunter Injury Law
An insurance adjuster is a professional hired by insurance companies to investigate and evaluate claims after an accident or loss. Their main job is to assess the extent of damage, determine the value of a claim, and decide how much the insurance company should pay. Think of an adjuster like a referee in a sports game—they ensure all parties follow the rules, but their ultimate responsibility is to protect the interests of the insurance company, not the claimant.

Adjusters work in various environments. Some spend most of their time in offices, reviewing documents and communicating with claimants via phone or email. Others, especially field adjusters, visit accident scenes, inspect property damage, or interview witnesses. They often juggle multiple cases simultaneously, working under tight deadlines to close claims quickly.
From a legal perspective, it’s crucial to understand that adjusters are not neutral parties. Their role is to minimize the payout for their employer—the insurance company. This can sometimes lead to undervalued settlements or denied claims, even when you’re entitled to more. That’s why having legal representation is important. At Gunter Injury Law, we help clients navigate these challenges by negotiating directly with adjusters and ensuring fair compensation. Insurance adjusters know the law and use it to their advantage; having an attorney levels the playing field, protecting your rights and securing the settlement you deserve.
Do Insurance Adjusters Make a Lot of Money?
Insurance adjusters can earn a solid income, but salaries vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of claims they handle. On average, entry-level insurance adjusters in the U.S. make around $50,000 to $55,000 annually, while experienced adjusters or those handling specialized claims like catastrophic events can earn upwards of $80,000 to $100,000.
In the Mountain West region, salaries reflect local cost of living and demand. For instance, adjusters in Idaho and Utah typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 per year. In Oregon, where the cost of living is higher, salaries often range from $60,000 to $75,000. Las Vegas adjusters, dealing with a larger urban population and more complex claims, may see earnings closer to $65,000 to $80,000. Additionally, independent adjusters or those who handle catastrophe claims can significantly boost their income, especially during disaster seasons.

Most adjusters receive standard benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and 10 to 20 vacation days per year, depending on the company and tenure. While adjusters often work independently in the field, they typically collaborate with claims managers, legal teams, and other adjusters to process more complex cases.
Insurance adjusters are usually employed by private companies, not government agencies, although some may work for public insurance programs. The role demands strong investigative and negotiation skills, offering a rewarding career for those who enjoy problem-solving and working with people.
The Role of Liability Adjusters
1. Evaluating Bodily Injury Claims
Liability adjusters assess the extent of injuries you sustained in the accident. They will carefully review:
- Medical Records: They’ll check whether your injuries are new or if a pre-existing condition may have been exacerbated by the crash.
- Lost Wages: They evaluate your lost wages, future earning capacity, and other related financial losses.
- Pain and Suffering: This subjective aspect of your claim often requires negotiation.
2. Determining Fault and Coverage
Liability adjusters investigate the accident to determine whether their insured party is at fault and, if so, the extent of the damages covered under their policy.
3. Monitoring Claimants
Sometimes, liability adjusters may work with private investigators to ensure claimants are honest about their injuries. Social media activity, surveillance, and other methods may be used to discredit your claim.
Other Adjusters You May Encounter
First-Party Insurance Adjusters
These adjusters represent your own insurance company and handle claims related to your policy, such as:
- PIP Adjusters: Manage medical payments under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits.
- Property Adjusters: Handle damages to your vehicle or personal property.
At-Fault Party’s Adjusters
Apart from liability adjusters, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will have their own PIP and property adjusters. While you typically won’t deal with them directly, their findings influence the liability adjuster’s decisions.
Why You Should Be Cautious with Liability Adjusters
Liability adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to reduce the payout on your claim, even if that means questioning your medical treatment, disputing your injuries, or delaying the process. They may offer low settlements in hopes you’ll accept without further negotiation.
How an Attorney Helps With Liability Adjusters
Working with an experienced attorney is crucial when dealing with liability adjusters. An attorney:
- Protects your rights by managing communication with adjusters.
- Negotiates fair settlements, ensuring all damages are accounted for.
- Advises on whether the insurance company’s settlement offer is reasonable.
Contact Jacob S. Gunter for Help With Liability Adjusters
Dealing with liability adjusters after a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on recovering. As a trusted Utah personal injury attorney, I specialize in handling insurance adjusters to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call Jacob S. Gunter today for a free consultation at (801) 373-6345 or visit www.gunterinjurylaw.com or www.provolawyers.com.
Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.