How to Handle Insurance Adjusters After an Accident

• January 11, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Car Accidents

If you’ve been in an accident where some damage has occurred, chances are you will have to deal with an insurance adjuster. There are three different types of insurance adjusters: independent, public, and claims. All three primarily do the same thing, which is to investigate the accident, advise the insurance company, determine the compensation needed, and negotiate for a settlement. The claims adjuster may be an attorney, but they have the same power as a standard adjuster and cannot make you do anything against your will. In this blog post, we will discuss how to handle insurance adjusters after an accident.

How Do You Handle Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster?

There are many horror stories about insurance adjusters, with quite a few of them true. Speaking with an adjuster is one of the most important aspects of your claim, and you should know how to interact with them.  If you do not have an attorney representing you, here are a few things you should know:

• Do not sign anything on your first contact – You may still be in shock or pain directly after the accident. The adjuster may request a statement and a signed release for your medical records. You do NOT have to give a statement upon initial contact. If you need more time, take it.
• Relay pertinent information – Pertinent information would be the name of the doctor or doctors you are seeing. Let them know you will continue treatment and keep them updated on progress. You also should request a letter detailing your conversation, and get the claim number. Do not discuss a settlement until you know the extent of your injuries and what medical attention you may need now and in the future.
• Keep track of all correspondence – You will likely receive a number of letters regarding your accident. File them all away together in a safe place. If you have retained an attorney, they will also receive a copy.
• Get quotes on repairs – If you were involved in an accident involving a motor vehicle, get a few quotes to see how much it will cost for your vehicle to be repaired. Although the adjuster will have their own estimation, you should know what the general repair costs will be. If you do not have transportation and your policy includes rental coverage, request a rental car. If you are part of a third-party claim, you can have the adjuster or insurance company get you a rental while your vehicle is being repaired. In cases where you face challenges with your insurance claim, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced insurance claim lawyer to help navigate the process and protect your rights.

What Types of Questions Will An Accident Insurance Adjuster Ask?

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to advise the insurance company on possible settlement amounts.  Insurance adjusters will ask certain types of questions to prove to the insurance company they should pay out less than you deserve.  Examples of these types of questions include the following:

• What Happened At The Accident Scene? – Limit your answer to this question with the facts surrounding the accident. It would help to review the police report and pictures and videos of the accident scene.  Do not discuss fault with the adjuster.  Stick with what you know and always tell the truth.
• What Types of Injuries Did You Sustain? – The answer to this question should only contain the injuries in your medical report.  You should not discuss the severity of your injuries or how much pain you are in.
• Could You Have Avoided The Accident? – Be very careful when answering this question. The adjuster might use your answer to determine fault, which could affect your claim. Stick to the facts only and avoid any discussion of fault.

Before you sit down with an accident insurance adjuster, you should sit down with your attorney to prepare your answers.  An experienced accident attorney will know how to answer questions that will not negatively affect your claim.

How Can I Prepare For An Appointment With An Accident Insurance Adjuster?

After your accident, start preparing your documents to back up your claim for a fair settlement. Write down everything you remember in a notebook, and keep track of every conversation, including dates and times. You should have proof of any wages you lost, all medical bills, how much you paid for any medications, invoices for any repairs, receipts of miscellaneous expenses resulting from the accident, and estimates for personal property damage.

All throughout your treatment, you should keep copies of anything that has been an expense to you. Provide all of this information to an experienced personal injury law firm and let them negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.

Remember: The adjuster’s role is to save the insurance company money. Allowing a seasoned attorney to handle your claim will ensure that you receive all compensation you are entitled to. If an insurance company refuses to pay a valid claim, it’s called insurance bad faith — and it is illegal.

We hope that this blog post helped you understand how to handle insurance adjusters after an accident. Speaking with an insurance adjuster can be stressful, but you need to make sure you tell the truth while not unintentionally giving away information that can be used against you by the insurance company.

Contact The Mann Law Firm Today For a Free Consultation

The Mann Law Firm is well-acquainted with insurance adjusters and the tactics they use to help insurance companies settle claims.  David Mann used to work as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company.  This knowledge and experience has helped hundreds of clients with the accident claims process.  Our law firm works on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless you get paid.  Call us today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.  At our law firm, you always come first.