Why Insurance Adjusters Call So Quickly
Insurance adjusters have one primary job: to minimize how much money their company pays out on claims. They know that the sooner they contact you after an accident, the more likely they are to get statements that help their company's case.
They're trained to call when you're:
- Still in shock from the accident
- Dealing with pain medications that affect your thinking
- Overwhelmed by medical bills and financial stress
- Before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Before you consult with an attorney
This timing isn't coincidental, it's strategic.
How Adjusters Sound vs. What They're Actually Doing
Insurance adjusters are skilled at sounding sympathetic while gathering information to use against you:
- They sound concerned about your health - but they're fishing for admissions that you're "fine"
- They act helpful and friendly - but they're building a case to deny your claim
- They ask "innocent" questions - but they're looking for inconsistencies and admissions
- They offer quick settlements - but only when they know your case is worth much more
- They rush you to decide - but they know time limits favor them, not you
Remember: No matter how nice they seem, they do not work for you.
Dangerous Questions Adjusters Ask
Adjusters will ask seemingly innocent questions that can damage your case:
- "How are you feeling today?" - If you say "fine," they'll argue you weren't seriously injured
- "Can you tell me what happened?" - They're looking for admissions of fault
- "Were you wearing a seatbelt?" - They want to argue comparative negligence
- "How fast were you going?" - They're building a speed-related fault argument
- "Did you see the other car?" - They want to argue you could have avoided the accident
- "Are you back to work yet?" - They're trying to minimize lost wage claims
Even honest answers to these questions can be taken out of context and used against you.
The Recorded Statement Trap
One of the first things an adjuster will request is a recorded statement. They'll make it sound routine and necessary, but giving a recorded statement is almost never in your best interest:
- You're not required to give one - Despite what they may imply
- Anything you say can be used against you - In settlement negotiations or court
- You may not know all your injuries yet - Some symptoms appear days or weeks later
- You're not prepared for their questions - They've done this thousands of times
- You can't take it back - Once recorded, your statements become permanent evidence
Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you've consulted with an attorney.
When You DO Have to Talk to Adjusters
There are limited situations where you may need to communicate with adjusters:
- Your own PIP insurance adjuster - You have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance for benefits
- Property damage claims - For vehicle repairs or replacement (keep it limited to property damage only)
- Basic policy information - Confirming coverage details
Even in these situations, limit your communication to basic facts and avoid discussing injuries or fault.
How to Handle Adjuster Calls
If an adjuster calls, here's what to do:
- Get their name and company - Write down who called and when
- Tell them you're represented by counsel - If you have an attorney
- Refer them to your attorney - Give them your lawyer's contact information
- Don't discuss the accident - Beyond basic facts like date and location
- Don't discuss your injuries - Even if they ask how you're feeling
- Don't agree to a recorded statement - You can decline politely
You can be polite while protecting your legal rights.
Quick Settlement Offers Are Usually Lowball Offers
If an adjuster offers a quick settlement, it's usually because they know your case is worth more than they're offering:
- They haven't evaluated your full damages - Medical bills may continue mounting
- They don't know your long-term prognosis - Some injuries have delayed complications
- They're hoping you'll accept quickly - Before you understand your rights
- They want to close the file cheaply - Their bonus may depend on low payouts
Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first.
What Happens When You Have an Attorney
Once you hire an attorney, the dynamics change completely:
- All communication goes through your lawyer - No more direct pressure from adjusters
- Your attorney knows what questions to ask - And what information to provide
- Insurance companies take you more seriously - They know you understand your rights
- Settlement negotiations become more professional - Based on legal standards, not emotions
Insurance companies often offer more money once they know you have legal representation.
Protect Yourself from Day One
The insurance company's investigation starts immediately after an accident. Shouldn't yours? While they're working to minimize your claim, you should be working to protect your rights.
At Shiraz Law Firm, we deal with insurance adjusters every day. We know their tactics, their tricks, and their pressure points. We'll handle all communication with adjusters so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Don't let a smooth-talking adjuster trick you into damaging your own case. Let us protect your rights from day one.
