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After a car crash, one of the first phone calls you may get is from an insurance adjuster. They might sound polite and concerned, asking how you’re doing and requesting a statement. But should you talk to the insurance adjuster after a car accident? Many people assume the adjuster is there to help, but that isn’t always the case. The simple answer: not without caution. There are real risks in handling this on your own, and knowing what to say, or not say, can make or break your case.
Our team at Wallentine Injury Law has helped many clients in Kansas and Missouri avoid costly mistakes after car accidents. Here’s what you need to know before you pick up that phone.
The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and not for you. Their main job is to save the company money. They are trained to gather information, often from a recorded statement after a car accident, that could be used to reduce or deny your claim.
You may feel pressure to explain what happened right away, especially if the adjuster says it will speed up your insurance settlement offer. But don’t be fooled. Even a small comment like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see the other car” can be used to shift blame onto you through a strategy known as comparative fault. Understanding the role of an insurance adjuster after a car accident can help you avoid saying something that later hurts your claim.
Giving a recorded statement after a car accident may seem harmless, but it’s not required by law unless your policy says so. These recordings can be edited or twisted out of context later. Remember, once you say something, you can’t take it back. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster after a car accident can be used to question your injuries or reduce the value of your claim.
Instead of going it alone, speak with a personal injury attorney first. They can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure your words aren’t used against you.
Many accident victims unintentionally weaken their claims without realizing it. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
It’s not just about what you say. It’s about what they do. These tactics are commonly used by an insurance adjuster after a car accident to limit how much the company pays. Insurance companies often use sneaky insurance tactics like:
These tricks are designed to protect their profits, not your recovery. That’s why it’s essential to know your rights and not rush the process.
There are times when speaking with an insurance adjuster makes sense, such as when you’re reporting your own property damage or giving basic facts like the time and location of the crash.
However, when it comes to your injuries and how the crash happened, it’s best to let a car accident attorney handle it. In many cases, limiting contact with an insurance adjuster after a car accident until you have legal guidance can protect your rights and your recovery.
You should also be aware of your deadline to file a claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
After a car accident, every decision you make matters. Speaking to the insurance adjuster after a car accident without legal guidance can seriously affect your case. At Wallentine Injury Law, we know how confusing and stressful this time can be. That’s why we work closely with you to understand your needs, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Attorney Jerry Wallentine has spent nearly 20 years fighting for the injured across Kansas and Missouri, securing millions in recoveries, including several seven-figure results. Our firm is rooted in truth-driven, client-centered representation that never backs down when insurance companies try to minimize your claim.
We make it a priority to keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Your consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win. Call us at 913-934-6333 to get started today.
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