Dealing With Insurance Adjusters After an Accident
Who the adjuster works for
An adjuster investigates and values a claim for an insurance company. Their job is to resolve claims according to the policy and the carrier’s guidelines — not to maximize your recovery. Polite cooperation and careful wording can coexist.
Communication habits that help
- Confirm conversations in writing when possible.
- Provide requested documents promptly: photos, estimates, medical bills.
- Correct factual errors calmly.
- Avoid speculation about speeds, distraction, or prior injuries.
Recorded statements
Some carriers request recorded statements early. You can ask whether the statement is required under your policy, what topics will be covered, and whether you may receive a copy. If injuries are significant or liability is contested, many people consult counsel before a lengthy recorded interview.
Settlement pressure
Early offers may arrive before you finish treatment. Once you sign a broad release, reopening the claim is often difficult. Ask what the offer includes (medical, wages, property, pain) and what documentation supports the number.