While it may seem like the adjusters are there to help, it’s important to understand that neither of them is necessarily looking out for your best interests. Insurance companies—yours included—are focused on minimizing payouts, which can affect your ability to get the compensation you deserve.
The Role of the Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident, assess liability, and determine how much their company should pay in a claim. They will gather information from police reports, witness statements, and, importantly, from you. It’s key to remember that adjusters, whether from your insurance company or the other driver’s, work for the insurance company—not for you.
Their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line by paying as little as possible. Even though they may seem helpful or concerned, their primary focus is minimizing the amount the company pays out. This is why being cautious when speaking with any insurance adjuster is critical.
Why You Should Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Too Soon
Here are several reasons why you should be extremely cautious about speaking with adjusters—both from your own insurer and the other driver’s—too soon:
- They May Try to Get You to Admit Fault
Both your insurer’s adjuster and the other driver’s adjuster may ask questions designed to get you to admit fault or partial fault for the accident. This can happen through seemingly innocent questions like, “Were you distracted at the time of the accident?” or “Could you have done anything to avoid the collision?” Even saying something like “I didn’t see them” can be twisted to suggest that you were at fault.
- They Can Use Your Statements Against You
Anything you say to an insurance adjuster, whether from your company or the other driver’s, can be used to minimize your claim. They may downplay your injuries or suggest that the damage to your vehicle is less significant than it actually is. Insurance companies often rely on these statements to deny or reduce claims, and without realizing it, you could weaken your own case by saying the wrong thing.
- You May Not Know the Full Extent of Your Injuries
After an accident, you may be in shock or full of adrenaline, and it’s common for injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries to take hours or even days to appear. If you talk to an adjuster too soon, you might inadvertently downplay your injuries. If your condition worsens later, the insurance company could argue that your injuries were not as serious as you’re now claiming because you didn’t mention them initially.
- They May Pressure You to Accept a Quick Settlement
Insurance adjusters may offer you a settlement soon after the accident, hoping you’ll accept it before the full extent of your injuries or damages is clear. These early settlements are often far lower than what you’re entitled to, and once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more—even if you later discover that your medical bills or vehicle repairs will cost much more than the initial offer covers.
The Reality: Insurance Companies—Even Your Own—Are Not on Your Side
It’s easy to assume that your own insurance company will treat you more fairly than the other driver’s. However, this is a common misconception. Insurance adjusters from your own company are also focused on reducing the company’s liability. Even though you’re paying for coverage, your insurer will try to minimize payouts just like any other company.
As a general rule, insurance companies are not your friend. Their primary goal is to protect their profits, which means they may:
- Attempt to downplay your injuries.
- Suggest you share some of the blame for the accident.
- Offer settlements that are far lower than the true value of your claim.
This is why having a personal injury attorney on your side is so important. An attorney knows how insurance companies operate and can help you navigate the claims process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
What You Should Do Instead
Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself when dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident:
- Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney First
Before making any statements to insurance adjusters—whether from your own company or the other driver’s—it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your rights, avoid common pitfalls, and make sure that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by getting professional advice before speaking to insurance adjusters.
- Let Your Attorney Handle Communication with the Insurance Companies
Once you hire an attorney, they can take over all communication with the insurance companies. This is one of the biggest advantages of having legal representation—they know how to handle the tactics insurance adjusters use and will make sure that nothing you say can be used to downplay or deny your claim.
- Be Careful About Providing a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. It’s important to understand that you are not required to give a recorded statement immediately, and in most cases, it’s best to wait until you’ve spoken to an attorney. Recorded statements can be used to challenge your claim later, and an attorney can help you prepare if you do decide to provide one.
- Don’t Rush to Accept a Settlement Offer
Quick settlement offers from insurance companies are often designed to save them money by paying you less than you deserve. Before accepting any settlement, make sure you understand the full extent of your injuries and property damage. An attorney can help you evaluate whether the offer is fair or whether you should negotiate for a higher amount.
Protect Your Claim—Get Legal Advice Before Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
While it’s tempting to resolve things quickly after an accident, speaking to insurance adjusters too soon can harm your claim and cost you thousands in compensation. Both your own insurance company and the other driver’s insurer will be looking to minimize payouts, so it’s critical to be cautious. By consulting with an attorney before giving any statements or accepting settlement offers, you can protect your rights and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in a car accident, The Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell can help. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the claims process to get the best possible outcome for your case.
