What insurance adjusters don’t want you to know until it’s too late
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or any other type of injury caused by someone else’s carelessness, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with pain, missed work, rising medical bills, and now the insurance company is calling.
The adjuster might sound kind and sympathetic. Maybe they even offer you money up front. But make no mistake: their job is to protect the insurance company, not you.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we hear from injured Hoosiers every week who made a costly decision early on in their case. If you’re reading this before things get too far, take a deep breath and read closely. These are five common mistakes to avoid.
1. Never Admit Fault
Even a small comment can damage your claim
It’s natural to want to explain what happened. But after an injury, words like “I was going a little fast” or “I looked down for a second” can come back to haunt you.
You may not even realize how serious your injuries are yet, or who was truly at fault. That’s why it’s so important to stick to the facts and avoid speculating when speaking with police or anyone from the insurance company.
Let the investigation run its course. Your job is not to assign blame. Your job is to protect your rights—and the best way to do that is to avoid admitting fault.
2. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Side’s Insurance
Their goal is not to help you
The other driver’s insurance adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. They’ll make it sound routine, even necessary. But what they’re really doing is trying to lock you into a version of events that helps them, not you.
They may ask confusing questions, twist your words, or get you to downplay your injuries. And once it’s recorded, it’s hard to undo.
The only time you’re usually required to give a recorded statement is to your own insurance company. And even then, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer first.
3. Say No to Quick Cash Offers
That fast check could cost you everything
It’s tempting. You’re hurting. You’re stressed. And then the insurance company offers you money to “help you get through it.” They may even say they’ll continue paying for your medical bills.
The problem is that once you accept that check and sign the paperwork, your case is closed.
You may still be in pain. You may need surgery. But the insurance company is off the hook and they will start fighting every new medical bill.
We’ve taken calls from too many people who said, “I thought the $5,000 was just to help me get by, but I’m still going to the doctor and I can’t work.”
If you sign the release, it doesn’t matter how unfair it seems later. Please don’t take that risk. Talk to a personal injury lawyer first.
4. Don’t Lose Your Cool
Frustration only helps the insurance company
Insurance adjusters can be difficult to deal with. They may delay, deny, or question every part of your claim. This is part of their strategy.
Getting angry might feel justified, but it can hurt your credibility and play right into their hands. They may even be testing your temperament.
It’s important to stay calm and avoid emotional reactions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s a sign it’s time to bring in someone who deals with insurance companies every day.
5. Don’t Trust the Friendly Adjuster
They’re trained to sound like your friend
Adjusters are trained to build rapport. They check in often. They sound concerned. They ask how you’re feeling and say they’ll “take care of it.”
But behind every call is a strategy. They want you to feel safe and supported so that you let your guard down.
Once you’re comfortable, they’ll start slipping in questions:
- “How’s your back been over the years?”
- “You’ve had some issues before this, right?”
- “You think if you’d been going slower, it might’ve been avoided?”
Those answers can lower the value of your case in a big way.
Insurance adjusters are not your friends. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your future.
The Five Mistakes That Can Kill Your Claim
Here’s a quick recap of what to avoid:
- Never admit fault
- Avoid recorded statements
- Don’t accept quick cash settlement offers
- Don’t get angry or lose your temper with adjusters
- Don’t trust the friendly adjuster on the phone
What You Should Do Instead
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or any type of injury caused by someone else, the best thing you can do is talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced Indiana injury lawyer can explain your rights, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you don’t make a decision that costs you in the long run.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’ve helped thousands of injured Hoosiers navigate this process. You don’t have to do this alone.
Speak with an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney Today
Don’t let a mistake ruin your chance at fair compensation. If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, take the next step toward protecting your future.
Call 463-241-6548 or visit www.marclopezlaw.com to schedule your free consultation.
Let the Marc Lopez Law Firm turn your frustration into compensation.
