How Do Insurance Adjusters Calculate Car Accident Settlements in Kentucky?

October 24, 2025
Alyssa Myles

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim can make or break your case. Most Kentucky accident cases settle before a lawsuit is ever filed, which means the adjuster’s evaluation plays a major role in determining your compensation. Understanding how adjusters calculate damages—and what you can do to strengthen your claim—can help you protect your rights from the start.

Fault Is the First Thing Adjusters Evaluate

Before anything else, the adjuster determines who was at fault. If you were the at-fault driver, you generally cannot pursue a claim for damages. But once it’s clear the other driver caused the crash, the focus shifts to the most important factor: your medical treatment.

Your Medical Care Is the Key to Your Claim

Insurance adjusters closely review your medical records to decide whether your treatment was necessary, reasonable, and directly related to the accident. To maximize your settlement, you should:

  • Seek medical care immediately after the collision.
  • Follow every recommendation from your doctor and therapist.
  • Attend all rehab and therapy sessions.
  • Document everything—appointments, pain levels, medications, and receipts.

Whenever you see a healthcare provider, tell them clearly that your visit is because of the car accident. This ensures the connection between your injuries and the crash appears in your medical records. Also be honest about any pain, limitations, or changes in daily activities caused by the accident—this documentation is vital.

Consistency and Documentation Strengthen Your Case

Adjusters rely heavily on evidence. The more consistent and thorough your medical documentation is, the stronger your claim appears. Keeping a notebook, saving receipts, and carefully tracking your symptoms helps prove the true impact of the crash.