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If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, you’ll likely get a phone call from an insurance claims adjuster. They might sound helpful, calm, and polite. But no matter how friendly the tone, their sole purpose is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not your recovery. What you say during that conversation can shape your entire insurance claim, including whether you’re offered fair compensation or anything at all.
If you want to protect yourself, you should know how to talk to an insurance adjuster. That starts with understanding their role, being mindful of your words, and avoiding common pitfalls. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer near you.
Why This Conversation Matters More Than You Think
You’ve got bills piling up, you’re still in pain, and you’re probably wondering what you’re going to do about missed work. All of the post-accident fallout can quickly overwhelm you.
During this time, the insurance claims process might seem like just another task on your growing list, but it’s one of the most critical. There is a lot of money at stake, and insurance adjusters are trained to hold onto as much of that as they can.
They are also on the lookout for inconsistencies; they may seek statements that shift blame, and they may encourage you to accept early settlements that don’t account for the full cost of your losses. In short, they will do everything they can to minimize the compensation you receive and close the case quickly, before you understand the full scope of your injuries and losses.
Here’s how to take control of the conversation — without hurting your personal injury case.
What Not To Say To A Claims Adjuster
First, let’s consider the things you should not say. Avoiding these missteps can make or break your ability to collect full compensation:
Don’t apologize or admit fault
Even a polite “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of liability. Never say anything that suggests fault or wrongdoing, even if you’re just trying to be nice. Let the accident reports, eyewitness statements, and police reports speak for themselves.
Don’t speculate
If you don’t know the answer to something, say so. Avoid statements like “I think…” or “maybe…” or “I guess.” Guessing can open the door to the insurance company arguing that your account is unreliable or inaccurate.
Don’t talk about your injuries
Never discuss your condition in detail. If the adjuster asks how you’re doing or feeling, it’s not small talk. A simple “I’m fine” might be used to downplay your suffering later. Say that you’re receiving medical care and refer them to your medical records for details. Avoid talking about daily life activities, symptoms, or progress in your own words.
Don’t give a recorded statement
If asked to give a recorded statement, decline politely but firmly. There is no legal requirement to provide one, and anything you say could be used against you. These recordings are designed to capture statements that help them deny or reduce your claim.
Don’t sign a blanket medical release
They may request access to your medical history or ask you to sign a release for your medical treatment records. Don’t do it. Only provide records directly related to the accident, and only after your personal injury attorney reviews them.
Don’t accept the first offer
Most early settlements are designed to close the case quickly, before you know the full extent of your injuries or losses. Once you accept, you cannot go back later and ask for more if you need it. If the offer doesn’t cover ongoing treatment, lost wages, or long-term impact on your personal life, it’s not a fair settlement; it’s a lowball offer.
What You Should Say (And How To Say It)
Here are smart strategies for handling the conversation confidently, clearly, and safely.
Stay calm and polite
No matter how frustrated you are, keep your cool. Remain calm and speak respectfully, even if the adjuster feels pushy or skeptical. Being rude won’t help your case, and losing your temper could cost you credibility.
Keep answers brief and fact-based
Answer only what’s asked. Stick to providing limited personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number. You can also share the make and model of your car, where the crash occurred, and whether you’re receiving medical treatment. Do not discuss details of the accident or your injuries, and don’t speculate about anything related to the crash or your injuries.
Set boundaries and take control of the timing
If you’re not ready to talk, say so. Ask to reschedule the phone conversation. You can also limit how often they contact you or refer them directly to your attorney. You are allowed to protect your peace of mind.
Ask for their information and document everything
Write down the adjuster’s name, their business address, phone number, the insurance company they work for, and the date and time of the call. This information may matter later if disputes arise. Keep a record of all communications and any settlement offer.
Say “My attorney will contact you”
This simple sentence is your best defense. Once you hire legal help, let your car accident lawyer handle the back-and-forth. Insurance adjusters know that working with a lawyer levels the playing field, and it prevents them from pressuring you directly.
What If They Ask Difficult Questions?
Sometimes, the most innocent-seeming questions can be traps. Here’s how to handle a few common ones without hurting your claim:
- “How are you feeling today?”
→ Say: “I’m still undergoing evaluation and treatment. My condition is still being assessed.” - “Can you tell me how the accident happened?”
→ Say: “I’m not comfortable discussing the accident without my attorney present.” - “Do you think you could have done anything differently?”
→ Say: “I gave a statement to the police. I prefer not to speculate.” - “Can we access your full medical history?”
→ Say: “Please direct that request to my attorney.”
Why Insurance Adjusters Want You To Overshare
Many people assume they’re doing the right thing by being honest and open. But talking to an insurance adjuster isn’t a casual conversation. It’s a strategic interview — one designed to save the company money.
The more you say, the more ammunition they have to:
- Argue your injuries aren’t serious
- Suggest your daily routine proves you’re fine
- Question whether you really need medical treatment
- Discredit your timeline or recollection of the car crash
- Compare your current comments to photo surveillance or other evidence
Communicate effectively by sharing only what’s necessary. Don’t fill silence with extra details. Don’t guess. And don’t feel like you owe the adjuster anything beyond the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Adjusters, Answered
When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you need is confusion about your rights or what’s expected of you. Here are some frequently asked questions that clients often have, and straightforward answers to keep you informed and in control.
Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster?
No. You are not legally required to talk to the other party’s insurance adjuster. In fact, it’s usually better that you don’t. Their goal is to protect the company, not to pay you fairly. You can politely decline the conversation and refer them to your lawyer.
Should I talk to my own insurance company?
Yes, but carefully. Most insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly. Just keep your comments brief and factual. Share the time and location of the accident, who was involved, and that you’re getting medical care. Nothing more. You’re not required to discuss fault, prognosis, or treatment.
What if the adjuster asks me to sign something?
Never sign anything, especially a medical release or final settlement agreement, until your personal injury lawyer reviews it. These documents can give the insurance company access to unrelated parts of your medical history or permanently end your case before you’ve recovered fully.
Is it normal to feel pressured?
Yes. That’s by design. Some adjusters may call repeatedly, sound extra friendly, or act like they’re doing you a favor by offering a check. They might imply that you’re causing delays or risk losing your claim if you don’t act quickly. Don’t fall for it. These tactics are meant to push you into a quick settlement that saves the company money.
Why You Should Let a Lawyer Handle Insurance Communications
The stakes are too high to take chances. The wrong words or the wrong tone can derail your entire personal injury claim, and once that happens, there’s often no fix. The insurance adjuster isn’t just a neutral party collecting facts; they are professionals trained to find loopholes, downplay your injuries, and get you to say anything that can weaken your case.
The good news? You don’t have to handle any of this by yourself. In fact, you shouldn’t. Every phone call, every form, every email from the insurer is a potential risk if you’re handling it on your own. Your focus should be on getting better, not navigating legal landmines.
Here’s why it’s best to let a seasoned attorney handle all communications with insurance companies:
- No missteps: Your attorney knows exactly what to say and what not to say to protect your rights. One wrong word can cost you thousands of dollars, and an experienced lawyer knows how to avoid the traps.
- You won’t feel pressured: Adjusters can’t contact you directly once you have a lawyer. That pressure disappears. You won’t get unexpected calls or be caught off guard.
- You get stronger leverage: Insurers take claims more seriously when a respected law firm is involved. The tone shifts. The offers improve. Your case is treated with the seriousness it deserves.
- You avoid giving away leverage: No recorded statements, no blanket medical releases, no undervalued settlements. Every communication goes through your attorney, who filters out risk and maximizes impact.
- You stay focused on recovery: Let your lawyer handle the back-and-forth while you focus on healing. You deserve the time and space to recover physically and emotionally without battling red tape.
- Your claim is built the right way from the start: Lawyers don’t just respond to the insurance company — they proactively gather evidence, track your medical care, and consult professionals when needed. That means you’re ready to negotiate from a position of strength.
- They know the playbook: Adjusters use proven strategies to get claimants to settle low or admit partial fault. Lawyers have heard it all and know how to respond effectively.
At Finz & Finz, P.C., our legal team handles all communications with the insurance companies after an accident. We don’t tolerate the strategies insurance adjusters rely on to take advantage of injured clients. We gather the evidence, speak the language insurance companies understand, and negotiate upward for full compensation. If the insurance company tries to delay or deny what you deserve, we’re ready to file a lawsuit and take them to court.
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Serving New York City and Long Island
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t put your case at risk by saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster. You don’t have to figure out what to say or what not to say on your own.
At Finz & Finz, P.C., we’ve built a powerhouse legal team with decades of experience handling high-stakes personal injury cases for clients in New York City and Long Island. Our firm is led by former judges and top-tier litigators who know how to counter insurance companies and secure life-changing compensation.
Whether your accident involved a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, or bicycle, our team is ready to step in and fight for your best interests. We’ll handle the insurance adjusters, gather the necessary evidence, protect your privacy, and work to maximize your recovery. Let us focus on the legal side, so you can focus on receiving medical treatment and getting your life back.
Consult a personal injury attorney in New York City, call at (516) 433-3000 or (212) 513-1000 now, or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
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Finz & Finz, P.C. is a New York and Long Island personal injury law firm based out of Mineola, NY. It was founded in 1984 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
