Within days of a car accident, you'll likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster. They'll sound friendly and concerned, expressing sympathy for your situation and offering to help resolve your claim quickly. What they won't tell you is that their primary job is to save their company money—often at your expense.
The Adjuster's True Role
Insurance adjusters are not your advocates. They're trained professionals whose performance is measured by how much they save their company. Every dollar you don't receive is a dollar their employer keeps.
This doesn't mean adjusters are bad people, but it does mean you shouldn't mistake their friendliness for friendship. Everything they say and do is designed to minimize your claim.
Tactics Adjusters Use to Reduce Claims
Recorded Statements: Adjusters often ask for recorded statements early in the process, before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They'll ask seemingly innocent questions designed to elicit answers they can use against you later.
Quick Settlement Offers: Early settlement offers almost always undervalue claims. Adjusters know that victims facing medical bills and lost wages are often desperate for immediate cash. They offer just enough to seem helpful while saving their company significantly more.
Medical Record Fishing: Adjusters may request authorization to access "any and all" medical records. This allows them to comb through your history looking for pre-existing conditions they can use to argue your injuries weren't caused by the accident.
Delay Tactics: If quick settlement doesn't work, some adjusters employ delay tactics. They know that financial pressure increases over time and may make you more likely to accept a low offer.
Surveillance: In higher-value claims, insurance companies may conduct surveillance. They're looking for evidence that your injuries aren't as severe as claimed—or at least footage they can present out of context to suggest that.
How to Protect Yourself
Don't provide recorded statements without consulting an attorney first. You're not legally required to give one to the other driver's insurance company.
Don't sign blanket medical authorizations. Provide only records directly related to your accident injuries.
Don't accept early settlement offers without understanding the full extent of your injuries. Many injuries take weeks or months to fully manifest.
Don't discuss your case on social media. Adjusters and their investigators routinely monitor claimants' social media accounts.
When to Involve an Attorney
If your injuries are anything beyond minor, consulting with car accident attorneys in Irvine before dealing with insurance adjusters can protect your interests. Attorneys understand the tactics adjusters use and can handle communications on your behalf.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
The Bottom Line
Insurance adjusters aren't evil, but they aren't on your side either. Understanding their motivations and tactics empowers you to protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
About the Author
Yoshi Kubota is a founding partner at Kubota & Craig, an Orange County personal injury law firm based in Irvine, California. With more than 3 decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Southern California, he has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in car accidents, truck accidents, and other personal injury matters. He is recognized by Best Lawyers® for his work in personal injury litigation.
For a free consultation, contact Kubota & Craig at (949) 218-5676 or visit www.kubotacraig.com.
