How should the adjuster pay damages for Driver 2 when the total bodily injury amount is unknown?

When the total bodily injury amount is unknown, paying property damage and rental car expenses while leaving the bodily injury settlement to be addressed later is a practical approach. This allows the injured party to receive immediate financial assistance for the damages that can be readily quantified, such as vehicle repairs and necessary rental transportation. By separating the property damage and rental expense from the bodily injury claims, the adjuster can ensure that the claimant is not left without assistance while the more complex aspects of the bodily injury claim are being evaluated.

This method also provides a structured way to manage claims during a complex settlement process, where bodily injury amounts may require more time for assessment, such as through medical evaluations and negotiations. It helps fulfill the adjuster’s responsibility to address urgent financial impacts while also maintaining the integrity of the overall settlement process until the full extent of the bodily injury claim can be determined.