After a car accident or personal injury, one of the first calls you will likely receive is from an insurance adjuster. They might sound friendly and helpful, but it is important to remember that their job is to minimize the insurance company’s payout, not to look out for your best interests. That is why so many people choose to consult lawyers like the Bakersfield personal injury lawyers before speaking with an adjuster. One wrong statement can hurt your claim or reduce the compensation you deserve. To help you avoid common mistakes, here are five things you should never say to an insurance adjuster.
Table of Contents
“I’m Sorry”
You might be a naturally polite person who says “sorry” out of habit, even when something is not your fault. But in the context of an accident claim, even a casual apology can be twisted into an admission of liability. Insurance adjusters are trained to pick up on language that can reduce or eliminate your right to compensation. If you say something like “I didn’t see the other car” or “I should’ve been more careful,” they may use that to argue that you were the one responsible. Instead, stick to the facts and let your lawyer determine how fault should be handled.
“I Feel Fine” or “I’m Not Hurt”
Never tell an adjuster that you are uninjured, even if you feel okay right after the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Saying you are fine too early can severely limit your ability to recover compensation for medical treatment down the line. If they ask about your injuries, it is okay to say something like, “I’m still being evaluated by my doctor and don’t have the full picture yet.”
“Here’s What Happened…”
Insurance adjusters ask for a recorded statement under the guise of getting your “side of the story.” It sounds reasonable, but it is a trap. Anything you say in that recorded conversation can be used against you later. Even innocent mistakes or inconsistencies can be turned into ammunition to discredit your claim. You have the right to politely decline. You can say, “I’d like to consult with my attorney before giving any statements.” That is a completely reasonable request and a smart one.
“Yes, You Can Access My Medical Records”
It might seem harmless to allow the adjuster access to your medical history, but it is a risky move. Often, insurance companies will request a blanket medical records release. This means they can dig through your entire history and not just documents related to the accident.
They may try to use old injuries or pre-existing conditions to argue that your current pain was not caused by the incident. Always let your attorney control what records are released and to whom.
“Let’s Settle This Quickly”
We get it; accidents are stressful, and you may want to wrap things up as soon as possible. But rushing to settle often means accepting a lowball offer before you even understand the full extent of your injuries or losses. Adjusters love it when you are eager to move on because they know they can get away with paying you less. A fast settlement might feel like a relief, but it can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Conclusion
When dealing with an insurance adjuster, less is often more. Be polite but cautious. Do not volunteer extra details, and never agree to anything without fully understanding the implications. Most importantly, do not go through this ordeal alone. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.