If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance adjuster within a few days or sometimes even within hours. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, but it’s important to remember that their primary goal is to save their company money, not to ensure you get full and fair compensation. Knowing how to handle those conversations can make a major difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim.
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies in South Carolina. Here’s what you should know before speaking with an adjuster after an accident.
1. Understand the Adjuster’s Role
Insurance adjusters investigate claims on behalf of the insurance company. They determine who was at fault, evaluate property damage and injuries, and decide how much compensation (if any) should be paid.
Although an adjuster might sound sympathetic, remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize payouts. Every word you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim later.
2. Be Polite but Cautious
You don’t need to be hostile toward the adjuster, but you should be cautious and professional. Treat the conversation like a business transaction, not a friendly chat.
Here are a few key tips:
- Keep your answers short and factual.
- Do not volunteer extra information.
- Never speculate about what happened or who was at fault.
- Avoid discussing your injuries in detail until you’ve spoken with a doctor and an attorney.
If you’re uncertain how to answer a question, it’s perfectly fine to say, “I’m still investigating the details,” or “My attorney will provide that information.”
3. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
One of the first things an adjuster may ask for is a recorded statement. They might claim it’s “just to get your side of the story” or that it’s required to process your claim quickly. In reality, recorded statements are often used to lock you into certain details that can later be twisted against you.
Even innocent remarks—like “I’m feeling better today” or “I didn’t see the other car right before the crash”—can be taken out of context to suggest that your injuries are minor or that you were partially at fault.
Always consult with a personal injury attorney before giving any recorded or written statement to an insurance company.
4. Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers soon after an accident. They hope you’ll accept before you realize the full extent of your injuries or your long-term expenses.
This first offer may not come close to covering:
- Future medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or scarring
Once you sign a release and accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more later. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney review any offer before you agree to it.
5. Keep Detailed Records
From the moment the accident occurs, start keeping detailed notes and copies of everything related to your claim. Documentation can make or break your case.
Important records include:
- The police accident report
- Photos of the vehicles, accident scene, and visible injuries
- Medical bills and doctor’s notes
- Receipts for prescriptions, physical therapy, and medical equipment
- Proof of missed work and lost income
- Any correspondence with the insurance company
The more organized and detailed your records, the stronger your claim will be.
6. Let Your Attorney Handle the Negotiations
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful, especially when you’re recovering from an injury. One of the biggest advantages of hiring an attorney is that your lawyer takes over all communication with the insurance company.
An experienced personal injury attorney knows:
- The tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts
- The fair value of your claim based on medical records and case law
- How to gather supporting evidence
- When to negotiate—and when to file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to be reasonable
Once an adjuster knows you’re represented by counsel, they must communicate through your attorney instead of contacting you directly. That protects you from saying something that could harm your case.
7. Watch Out for Common Adjuster Tactics
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who use specific techniques to protect their company’s bottom line. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Friendly conversation: They may try to earn your trust so you’ll open up and say something that weakens your claim.
- Downplaying your injuries: Adjusters often suggest that your injuries are “minor” or “not related” to the accident.
- Delaying the claim: Some insurers drag out the process hoping financial pressure will make you accept less money.
- Requesting unnecessary documentation: They may repeatedly ask for more records to slow the process or catch inconsistencies.
Recognizing these tactics early helps you stay in control and protects your right to fair compensation.
8. Be Honest — But Strategic
Honesty is essential. You should never exaggerate your injuries or fabricate details. Doing so can destroy your credibility and your case.
However, being honest doesn’t mean oversharing. Stick to the facts, and let your medical records and your attorney speak for you.
9. Don’t Post About the Accident on Social Media
Adjusters and defense attorneys often monitor social media for evidence that can be used against you. Even innocent posts—like photos of you smiling with friends—can be twisted to suggest that you aren’t really injured.
The safest approach is to stay off social media entirely while your case is pending. If you must use it, avoid discussing your accident, injuries, or legal case.
10. Get Legal Help Early
The sooner you contact an attorney after an accident, the better. Early legal representation ensures that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.
At McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, we’ve been standing up to insurance companies for more than 40 years. We know how to negotiate fair settlements—and we aren’t afraid to take cases to court when necessary.
We’ll Fight for What You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in an accident in South Carolina, don’t face the insurance company alone. The attorneys at McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates can handle every aspect of your claim from communicating with the adjuster to negotiating a full and fair settlement. It won’t cost you anything to see if we can help. Call 1-803- Law-Firm or contact us online today for a free consultation.
