How should an adjuster handle the claim payment for Driver 2, considering the extended period for bodily injury evaluation?

The rationale behind choosing to pay for property damage and rental car expenses while settling the bodily injury claim later is rooted in the principle of prompt payment for damages that have been clearly established. In accidents, property damage assessment can often be completed relatively quickly, allowing for payment to be processed even when the bodily injury component may require more time for complete evaluation.

This approach recognizes the immediate costs incurred by the claimant, such as repairs to the vehicle and rental car expenses, which typically do not hinge upon the longer-term evaluation of bodily injuries. By doing this, the adjuster maintains goodwill with the claimant, as it provides immediate financial relief for the damages that can be easily quantified. This strategy also leaves the door open for the negotiation of bodily injury claims when more information about the extent of injuries and treatments can be obtained.

Choosing to pay nothing until total damages are determined might prolong the process unnecessarily, causing frustration for the claimant. Similarly, paying all damage after a full release has been signed is impractical, as it could lead to disputes over claims if bodily injuries turn out to warrant further compensation. The option stating that none of the responses are correct does not hold, as option C provides a viable solution that aligns with common practices in claims handling.