These two things baffle most people because the insurance companies like telling everyone that they are not true. But, alas, they are true.
First, despite what the adjuster might tell you, and what you will read on the internet, there is no secret formula or book that tells you what your case is worth. Each case has its own value and the insurance companies formula is not accurate. If it was simple as multiplying your medical bills by a certain number, a lot of people say 3, then there would be a lot of unemployed attorneys, on both sides, and a lot of unemployed adjusters. There is no formula for settling a claim as every claim is different and every situation is different!
The adjuster will also try to talk you out of retaining an attorney. The adjuster will tell you that it does not increase the value of the case. That is non-sense. An attorney with experience can help you maximize your recovery. In fact, a study by Allstate showed that people who hired an attorney recovered more money than someone who did not hire an attorney. They just don’t want to publicize these studies!
Talk to an attorney and find out the real value of your case!