After a car accident, you are likely dealing with pain, stress, missed work, and a growing pile of medical bills. Then the phone rings.
It is the insurance adjuster for the at-fault driver, and they sound friendly. They ask how you are doing. They may even say they just want to help.
Here is the truth.
The insurance company has one goal, and that goal is to pay you as little as possible.
As an Indiana personal injury attorney, I see the same mistakes over and over. Good people get pressured into bad decisions before they understand their rights. Once that happens, there is often no way to undo the damage.
Below are three common insurance tactics every Indiana injury victim needs to understand before speaking with an adjuster.
What Is the Insurance Adjuster Really Trying to Do?
Short answer: The adjuster’s job is to close your claim quickly and cheaply.
They are trained to sound polite and sympathetic. They are not trained to protect your future medical care, lost income, or long-term pain.
If you remember nothing else, remember this.
The insurance company is not your friend.
Trick #1: The Quick Lowball Settlement Offer
Short answer: A fast settlement almost always benefits the insurance company, not you.
Soon after the crash, you may get a call offering quick money. It may sound like this:
“We can get you $5,000 right now and wrap this up.”
When you are hurting or behind on bills, that offer can feel like relief. It is not. It is a trap.
Once you accept and sign, your case is over.
You cannot go back later for:
- Additional medical treatment
- Worsening pain
- Missed work you did not anticipate
- Long-term limitations
We hear this story every week. Someone accepted quick money and later realized their injuries were far more serious than they thought. At that point, there is nothing anyone can do to reopen the claim.
If an insurance company is rushing to pay you, ask yourself why.
Trick #2: The Recorded Statement Trap
Short answer: You do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Adjusters often say a recorded statement is required to move the claim forward. That is not true.
They may sound friendly. They may say this is routine. They may wait until you feel comfortable talking to them. Then they record the call.
The purpose of a recorded statement is simple.
They want you locked into answers they can later use against you.
Common questions include:
- “Don’t you agree this could have been avoided?”
- “Your back was not perfect before the crash, right?”
- “You were tired that day, correct?”
These questions are designed to confuse you and shift blame. Even innocent speculation can be twisted later to reduce or deny your claim.
Before giving any recorded statement, speak with an Indiana personal injury attorney who can protect you from saying something that harms your case.
Trick #3: Fishing for Pre-Existing Conditions
Short answer: The insurance company is not entitled to your entire medical history.
If you say your back, neck, or shoulder hurts, the adjuster may start digging. They may ask about pain from years ago or request blanket authorization for all medical records.
This is another attempt to pay you less.
Indiana law allows access only to medical records that are relevant to your claim. A blank authorization gives the insurance company far more than they are entitled to receive.
Do not sign anything you do not fully understand. Once your records are handed over, they will be used to argue your injuries are not related to the accident.
What Should You Do After a Personal Injury in Indiana?
Short answer: Protect yourself before the insurance company locks you into a bad decision.
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, take these steps:
- Seek medical care and follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Do not accept a quick settlement
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other insurer
- Do not sign blanket medical authorizations
- Speak with an Indiana personal injury attorney early
The earlier you get guidance, the more control you keep over your case.
How the Marc Lopez Law Firm Helps Indiana Injury Victims
When you work with the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we take the pressure off you.
We handle all communication with the insurance company so you do not have to. We make sure your injuries are taken seriously and your rights are respected.
Our role is simple.
We protect you while you focus on healing.
If you are searching for an injury lawyer in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, you deserve someone who will stand between you and the insurance company.
Speak With an Indiana Injury Attorney Today
Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, speak to us.
One conversation can prevent a mistake that costs you for years.
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-283-7387
We are ready to help when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
Can I accept a settlement and still get more money later?
No. Once you sign a settlement release, your case is closed permanently.
What if I had a prior injury before the accident?
You may still have a valid claim. The insurance company cannot deny compensation simply because you had a pre-existing condition.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Indiana?
Indiana generally allows two years from the date of injury, but waiting can hurt your case.
What does it cost to speak with your firm?
Your initial consultation is free. There is no obligation to move forward.
