After a serious accident, one of the first calls you will receive is from an insurance adjuster. They may seem friendly and concerned about your wellbeing, but their primary goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. Understanding how adjusters operate and what tactics they use can make the difference between a fair settlement and one that leaves you shortchanged.
This guide covers what to expect when dealing with insurance adjusters and how to protect the value of your claim.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize the payout.
- Never give a recorded statement without consulting your attorney first.
- Avoid accepting the first settlement offer, as it is almost always lower than what your claim is worth.
- Document everything and let your attorney handle communications whenever possible.
- Financial pressure can lead plaintiffs to accept lowball offers, which is exactly what adjusters count on.
- Do not give a recorded statement without legal counsel present.
- Do not sign any documents from the insurance company without your attorney reviewing them first.
- Do not discuss fault or apologize for the accident, even casually.
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, lost wages, and communications with the insurer.
- Stay off social media or at minimum avoid posting anything related to your accident, injuries, or activities.
What Insurance Adjusters Actually Do
An insurance adjuster is an employee or contractor hired by the insurance company to investigate claims and determine how much the company should pay. They review accident reports, medical records, and other documentation to assess the value of your claim.
While adjusters are often polite and professional, it is important to remember that they are trained negotiators whose performance is measured by how much they save the company. Every dollar they reduce from your settlement is money that stays with the insurer.
Common Tactics Adjusters Use
Adjusters have a playbook of strategies designed to reduce the value of your claim. Being aware of these tactics helps you avoid falling into common traps.
Requesting a recorded statement early. Adjusters often ask to record your account of the accident shortly after it happens. At this stage, you may not fully understand the extent of your injuries, and anything you say can be used to undermine your claim later. Politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney.
Offering a quick settlement. A fast offer might seem appealing, especially when bills are piling up. However, early offers rarely account for the full scope of your damages, including future medical treatment and long-term impacts. Once you accept, you cannot go back for more.
Disputing the severity of your injuries. Adjusters may suggest your injuries are not as serious as claimed, point to gaps in your medical treatment, or argue that a pre-existing condition is responsible for your pain. Consistent [medical records](/blog/medical-records-personal-injury) are your best defense against this tactic.
Using your social media against you. Anything you post online can be used to argue that your injuries are exaggerated. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering could be presented as evidence that you are not really suffering.
Delaying the process. Some adjusters intentionally slow down the claims process, hoping financial pressure will force you to accept a lower offer. They may request unnecessary documentation or take weeks to respond to communications.
How to Protect Yourself
The single most important step you can take is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney before engaging with the adjuster. Your attorney can handle all communications, ensuring you do not inadvertently harm your claim. If you are still searching for representation, our guide on [how to choose a personal injury attorney](/blog/how-to-choose-personal-injury-attorney) can help.
Beyond hiring an attorney, follow these guidelines:
Why Adjusters Push for Fast Settlements
Speed works in the insurance company's favor for a simple reason: the less time you have to understand the full value of your claim, the less they have to pay. Many accident victims do not realize that their injuries may require ongoing treatment or that they are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost earning capacity, and other non-economic damages.
Adjusters know that financial hardship makes plaintiffs more likely to accept a low offer. When you are behind on rent, facing medical bills, and unable to work, even an inadequate settlement can feel like a lifeline. This is one reason why Frontier Legal Funding provides pre-settlement funding to plaintiffs who need financial support during their case. Having resources to cover basic expenses removes the pressure to settle prematurely.
What to Do If You Already Spoke to an Adjuster
If you have already given a statement or discussed your claim with an adjuster before hiring an attorney, do not panic. Your lawyer can still work to protect your interests. However, going forward, direct all communication through your attorney and avoid any further direct contact with the insurance company.
If you signed a medical authorization form, be aware that the adjuster may use it to access your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident. Your attorney can work to limit the scope of any authorizations.
The Bottom Line
Insurance adjusters are not on your side, regardless of how sympathetic they may appear. Protect your claim by hiring an attorney early, avoiding recorded statements, and refusing to accept the first offer that comes your way.
If financial pressure is making it difficult to wait for a fair settlement, visit [frontierlegalfunding.com](https://frontierlegalfunding.com) or call (855) 385-FUND to learn how pre-settlement funding can help you hold out for what your case is truly worth.