Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident: Tips and Pitfalls

After a car accident, you will likely be dealing with insurance adjusters. Adjusters investigate claims and determine how much money—if any—the insurance company will pay. While they may seem helpful, their primary goal is to limit the company’s payout, not necessarily to ensure you receive full compensation. Understanding how to handle these conversations can protect your claim and help you avoid common mistakes.

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Why Insurance Adjusters Call

Insurance adjusters contact you to:

• Gather details about the accident.
• Assess property damage and injuries.
• Determine who is at fault.
• Estimate how much your claim may cost the company.

Although their questions may sound routine, what you say can directly affect the outcome of your claim.

Tips for Dealing With Adjusters

There are a few tips that can help you while you talk to these adjusters:

1. Be Polite but Cautious

You should answer basic questions (like confirming your name and contact information), but avoid discussing fault or making detailed statements about your injuries until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

2. Don’t Admit Fault

Even simple phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” can be used against you to reduce or deny your claim. Stick to the facts.

3. Limit What You Share About Injuries

Many injuries, like whiplash or back pain, may not fully appear until days later. If you tell an adjuster that you feel “fine,” it could hurt your claim if symptoms develop later.

4. Decline Recorded Statements

Adjusters often request recorded statements, which can be used to challenge your version of events. You are not legally required to provide one for the other driver’s insurance company.

5. Get Repair and Medical Estimates Yourself

Do not rely solely on the insurance company’s assessment. Independent estimates from repair shops or medical providers can ensure your losses are accurately calculated.

6. Consider Hiring an Attorney

An attorney can handle communication with the insurance company and help prevent adjusters from pressuring you into an unfair settlement.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid:

• Accepting a Quick Settlement: Early settlement offers often undervalue your damages and may not account for future medical treatment or long-term issues.
• Discussing the Accident on Social Media: Adjusters can use posts against you if they contradict your claim.
• Assuming the Adjuster Is on Your Side: Their loyalty is to the insurance company, not you.

By understanding the laws surrounding insurance, or having an attorney who does, you’ll be able to get the most out of your compensation.

Tulsa Personal Injury Attorneys

Dealing with insurance adjusters is common in car accident claims, but their interests may not align with yours. Being careful about what you say, avoiding recorded statements, and consulting with an attorney can help protect your right to fair compensation. For a free consultation with a Tulsa personal injury attorney, call Kania Law Office at 918.743.2233 or follow this link to ask a free online legal question.