Getting into a car accident is stressful, and dealing with insurance adjusters afterward can make it even more overwhelming. The way you handle conversations with an insurance adjuster can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, so knowing how to navigate these discussions is crucial. Understanding their tactics and having a plan in place can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

The Role of an Insurance Adjuster

After a car accident, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to assess the claim. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident, review the evidence, and determine the amount the company should pay. While they may appear friendly and helpful, their primary responsibility is to protect the insurance company’s financial interests. That means they will look for reasons to lower your compensation or deny your claim altogether.

Initial Contact With the Insurance Adjuster

One of the first steps in the claims process is the initial phone call from the adjuster. They may ask for a recorded statement, details about the accident, and information on your injuries. While this may seem like a standard procedure, it is important to be cautious. Anything you say can be used to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you.

If an adjuster contacts you:

• Remain polite but firm
• Do not admit fault or speculate about the accident
• Avoid providing unnecessary details about your injuries or medical treatment
• Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal guidance

It is often best to refer them to your attorney rather than engaging in detailed discussions on your own.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Insurance companies train adjusters to minimize claim payouts. They may use several tactics to achieve this goal:

Offering a Quick Settlement
After an accident, medical bills and repair costs can pile up quickly. Insurance adjusters may offer a fast settlement, hoping you will accept a lower amount before you understand the full extent of your injuries. While it may be tempting, accepting an early settlement can leave you without enough compensation for future medical expenses or lost wages.

Requesting a Recorded Statement
Adjusters often ask claimants to provide a recorded statement. They may say it is necessary to process the claim, but this is not true. Anything you say can be taken out of context and used against you. If they push for a statement, politely refuse and consult an attorney.

Downplaying Injuries
Insurance companies may question the severity of your injuries or suggest that they were pre-existing. They may also argue that you do not need certain medical treatments. Keeping thorough medical records and following your doctor’s recommendations can help counter these claims.

Delaying the Process
Insurance companies know that financial strain can pressure accident victims into accepting lower settlements. Some adjusters may deliberately delay the claims process, hoping you will become desperate and agree to a reduced amount. Staying patient and having legal representation can prevent them from taking advantage of you.

Disputing Liability
Even when the other driver is clearly at fault, the insurance company may try to shift blame onto you. They may argue that you were partially responsible to reduce their payout. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation. Having strong evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, can help counter these arguments.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

To ensure you receive fair compensation, gathering strong evidence and following the right steps after an accident is essential. Here are some key actions to take:

Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police report.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and delaying treatment can give the insurance company a reason to question the severity of your condition.

Keep Track of Expenses
Maintain records of all accident-related costs, including medical bills, prescription receipts, lost wages, and vehicle repair estimates. These documents will help support your claim.

Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Skipping medical appointments or disregarding treatment advice can harm your claim. The insurance company may argue that you are not as injured as you claim if you do not follow through with prescribed care.

Be Careful With Social Media
Insurance adjusters may monitor your social media accounts. Avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or activities that could be misinterpreted to suggest you are not injured.

When to Seek Legal Representation

While you can handle a minor accident claim on your own, hiring an attorney is often the best way to ensure fair treatment from the insurance company. A lawyer can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.

You should strongly consider legal representation if:

• The insurance company disputes liability
• You suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
• The adjuster is pressuring you to accept a quick settlement
• Your claim has been denied or delayed

A lawyer can assess the value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses.

Conclusion

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident can be challenging, but understanding their tactics and taking the right steps can protect your rights. The insurance company is not on your side, so it is important to be cautious when speaking with adjusters and to seek legal advice before accepting any offers.

At Kingbird Legal, we are committed to helping accident victims in Pennsylvania get the compensation they deserve. If you have been in a car accident and are struggling with the insurance claims process, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options.