If you’ve recently been involved in an Indiana car crash, chances are your life has been turned upside down. From medical appointments and car repairs to missed work and mounting bills, the aftermath of a crash can be stressful and overwhelming. And just when you’re trying to focus on healing, the insurance company starts calling—offering what might seem like a quick fix in the form of a settlement.
Before you sign anything or accept any offer, it’s essential to take a step back and ask the right questions. Settling too soon, or without knowing the full scope of your injuries and legal rights, can cost you thousands of dollars—or more.
Here are ten essential questions you should ask before even thinking about accepting a settlement. These aren’t just practical—they’re strategic. They show the insurance company you know what you’re doing, and that you’re not willing to be taken advantage of.
And remember: at any point in this process, it’s perfectly okay to call an Indiana injury attorney for help.
Why These Questions Matter After an Indiana Car Crash
Insurance adjusters have one job: to close your case for the least amount of money possible. That doesn’t make them evil—but it does mean they’re not working in your best interest. When you’ve been hurt in an Indiana car crash, you’re not just dealing with vehicle damage. You’re dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future.
The more questions you ask, the more control you take back. These ten questions are designed to help you get clarity, uncover hidden information, and avoid falling into common traps.
Question 1: What Are the Insurance Policy Limits?
Policy limits are the maximum amount the insurance company can pay under the other driver’s policy. You might think the insurance company will tell you this upfront—but often, they won’t. In Indiana, they aren’t required to disclose policy limits until you file a lawsuit. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask.
Even if they don’t give you a clear answer, the question itself sends a powerful message. It shows that you understand your rights and you’re not blindly trusting whatever number they throw your way.
For example, if the at-fault driver only carries Indiana’s minimum coverage of $25,000, that’s likely all you’ll get—unless there’s additional coverage. If your medical bills are well over that amount, you’ll need to start looking at other sources of compensation, like your own underinsured motorist policy.
Question 2: How Much Authority Do You Have to Settle My Claim?
Not every adjuster has the power to make significant offers. If you’re speaking with someone who can’t go above a certain dollar amount, you’re wasting time and energy negotiating with the wrong person.
This question helps you figure out if the person on the phone can actually move the needle—or if you need to speak with someone higher up. If the adjuster’s authority is capped at $10,000 and your medical bills are $20,000, there’s no point continuing until someone with more power is involved.
Question 3: What’s the Settlement Reserve Set Aside for My Claim?
Insurance companies assign a “reserve” to each claim based on what they think it’s worth. Adjusters are often trained to keep settlement offers below that reserve—so the company saves money.
They won’t tell you the number outright, but asking about it shows you understand how claims work. You’re not just looking for a check—you’re looking for accountability. And that alone can shift the tone of the negotiation.
Question 4: Are You Using Software to Value My Case?
Many insurance companies use software systems like Colossus to evaluate injury claims. These systems rely on algorithms and past data—not on the real details of your life, your pain, or your recovery.
If your Indiana car crash claim is being valued by software alone, that’s a red flag. No computer can fully appreciate what you’re going through. Your claim deserves human attention. You deserve a case review based on your specific injuries and how those injuries have impacted your daily life.
Question 5: Can You Break Down How You Calculated This Offer—In Writing?
Verbal negotiations are slippery. Insurance companies love to keep things vague, making it easy to shift gears without accountability. That’s why you want their numbers in writing.
Ask for a written explanation of how they arrived at your settlement amount. What did they include? What did they leave out? Did they consider all of your medical records? Did they account for lost wages, pain and suffering, or the cost of future treatment?
A written explanation makes it harder for them to lowball you—and it gives your Indiana injury attorney a better foundation to fight for a higher settlement if needed.
Question 6: Did You Personally Review My Medical Records?
It’s common for adjusters to skim summaries or rely on software to evaluate your injuries. But those shortcuts don’t tell the whole story.
By asking this question, you push the adjuster to actually read the details. You’re reminding them that you’re not just a claim number—you’re a real person who’s living with the effects of this Indiana car crash every single day.
Sometimes, this question alone can result in a higher offer—because once they see the full picture, they realize your injuries are more serious than they thought.
Question 7: Has a Supervisor Ever Increased a Final Offer?
Once negotiations stall, this is the question that gets things moving again. It tells the adjuster: “I’m not satisfied. I’m willing to go above your head if necessary.”
Supervisors often have higher settlement authority and may be more motivated to close a claim efficiently. It never hurts to get a second set of eyes on your case.
And even if they say “no,” you’ve still made it clear that you’re not here to settle cheap.
Question 8: Do Your Offers Typically Go Up After a Lawsuit Is Filed?
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t always lead to more money—but it often leads to more attention. It sends a signal that you’re serious about pursuing fair compensation.
Sometimes, a new team takes over. You might get a new adjuster—or even a defense attorney. They may spot details the first adjuster overlooked. At the very least, the company has to decide whether to spend more money defending the case or offer you more to settle now.
This question plants the seed—and lets them know you’re not afraid of litigation.
Question 9: Has Your Company Ever Been Penalized for Bad Faith?
Bad faith happens when an insurance company acts unfairly or dishonestly. It’s a serious accusation—and one that adjusters take personally.
This question isn’t for the early stages of negotiation. It’s for the moments when the insurance company has stopped returning your calls or repeatedly made lowball offers.
Even if they don’t answer, you’ve made it clear that you’re not going to tolerate bad behavior. And if you believe you are being treated unfairly, an Indiana injury attorney can investigate further.
Question 10: Is There Additional Insurance Coverage Available?
Sometimes, there’s more than one policy that could apply to your claim. Umbrella policies, commercial coverage, or underinsured motorist coverage can all make a difference.
Adjusters won’t tell you this unless they have to. But if your injuries are serious and the policy limits are low, you need to explore every possible source of compensation.
Asking this question tells the insurance company you’re looking at the full picture—not just what they want you to see.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself After an Indiana Car Crash
If you’ve made it this far, you already understand how critical it is to be informed. The more questions you ask, the better your chances of securing a fair settlement.
But you don’t have to do this alone.
An experienced Indiana injury attorney can help you ask the right questions, challenge the wrong answers, and fight for what you deserve. Whether you’ve just been hurt or you’re deep in negotiations, it’s never too late to get legal help.
Make the Right Call
Remember: the insurance company isn’t your friend. But I am.
If you’ve been injured in an Indiana car crash, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call 463-842-0116 and speak to the team at the Marc Lopez Law Firm.
