Common Tactics Used by Adjusters

Adjusters employ various strategies to minimize payouts. Being aware of them can help you avoid potential pitfalls. 

One common approach is the "friendly adjuster" role. They may appear sympathetic and concerned about your well-being, encouraging you to open up about the accident. While this might seem harmless, it's often a way to get you to let your guard down and potentially say something that might be used against your case.

Another tactic is pressuring you to give a recorded statement. They might say it's standard procedure or necessary to process your claim quickly. However, these statements can be manipulated or taken out of context to dispute your claim later.

Adjusters might also try to discourage you from seeking legal representation, suggesting that lawyers will only complicate the process or take a large portion of your settlement. In reality, having an attorney often leads to higher settlements, even after legal fees are considered.

Some adjusters might offer a fast settlement, hoping you'll accept before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. This can leave you unable to claim additional compensation if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought.

7 Things to Remember When an Insurance Adjuster Calls

The best approach is to politely decline to give detailed information or recorded statements until you've consulted with an attorney who can guide you through the process. However, if you must have a conversation, it’s important to handle it carefully. Here’s what we recommend. 

  1. Stay calm and polite. While it's natural to feel stressed or frustrated, maintain a professional demeanor. 
  2. Refuse a recorded statement. Instead, explain that you'll provide a written statement after speaking with your attorney.
  3. Limit personal information. Provide only basic contact details like your name, address, and phone number. Avoid discussing details about the accident, your injuries, or your medical treatment.
  4. Don't admit fault. Even if you think you might have been partially responsible, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Determining liability can be murky until the accident investigation is complete.
  5. Don't discuss injuries. Avoid talking about your injuries, even if you think they're minor. The full extent of some medical conditions may not be immediately apparent, and discussing them prematurely could limit your claim.
  6. Get their information. It’s okay to ask for the adjuster's name, company, and contact details. Also, ask about the claim number associated with your case.
  7. Refer to your attorney. If you've already hired an attorney, inform the adjuster and provide your lawyer's contact information. If you haven't yet retained counsel, tell them you’re seeking legal advice before discussing the claim further.

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially as you’re attempting to move forward from the incident. But don't let insurers take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our nationwide team of skilled attorneys understands the tactics adjusters might try and how to counter them. We're committed to protecting your rights and striving for solid results with settlements that cover injury recovery, lost wages, and other damages.

T. Micah Dortch
With more than 1,000 federal & state court matters as lead trial counsel, he has worked on many notable cases.
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