How do you know if your insurance company is trying to mess you over

You more than likely don't know if the insurance company is offering you a fair settlement value until you have had an attorney independently evaluate your claim.  The insurance adjusters are not on your side.  They are trained to settle your claim for the least amount of money to make the claim go away.  I highly recommend discussing your claim with an attorney before you "bite" on a "carat" that is dangled in front of you by the insurance adjuster.  If you settle your case too soon, you can't go back and undo what has already been done.