Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer?
After an accident, it’s common to receive a call from an insurance adjuster — often within days. They may sound friendly and eager to “get your claim started,” but before you answer their questions or sign anything, it’s important to understand what’s really at stake.
Below, we explain why speaking to an insurance adjuster without a lawyer can put your personal injury claim at risk, and how having an attorney on your side can protect your rights.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize their company’s payout on claims.
This means everything you say, even something that may sound harmless, can be used later to reduce or deny your compensation.
Consider, for example, the following statement:
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“I might have looked down for a second” (this could be twisted to show that you caused the accident), and
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“I’m feeling better now” (an adjuster could use this to minimize your injuries).
An insurance adjuster is skilled to use statements such as these to weaken or deny your claim.
Why Talking to an Adjuster Alone Can Hurt Your Claim
The following are common reasons why talking to an adjuster can hurt your injury claim.
- Recorded statements can be used against you – Insurance adjusters often ask to record your statement. Once recorded, your words are locked in. Any inconsistency (even minor) can be used to question your credibility later.
- An adjuster may push for a quick settlement – Adjusters know medical bills and lost wages add pressure. They might offer fast cash before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you generally can’t ask for more, even if you later need surgery or long-term care.
- Adjusters have access to information you don’t – Adjusters often know the value of similar claims but will rarely disclose that. They might claim your case isn’t worth much when, in reality, it’s worth several times more.
- They’re skilled negotiators — Adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. Without legal guidance, it’s easy to be outmatched in negotiations.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Protect You
An experienced personal injury attorney levels the playing field by:
- Handling all communication with the insurance company,
- Gathering medical records, witness statements, and evidence to prove liability,
- Calculating the full value of your damages — including pain and suffering, lost income, and future care needs,
- Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement, and
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay what you deserve.
When an attorney represents you, insurance adjusters know they can’t get away with lowball tactics or misleading questions.
What to Do If the Adjuster Calls
If an insurance adjuster contacts you, we recommend that you do the following:
- Be polite, but brief. Confirm your identity and the date of the accident, but nothing more.
- Do not agree to a recorded statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
- Don’t discuss your injuries or recovery. Even saying “I’m okay” can be misinterpreted.
- Contact a personal injury attorney immediately. They can take over communications and ensure your rights are protected from the start.