How to Talk to Insurance Adjuster in California

Aug.02.2019
Car Accidents

tips of how to talk to insurance adjuster california

When you have been injured in an accident, the only way that you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries is to file an insurance claim for damages.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may file this claim against your own insurance company, or against the insurance company of the at-fault party.

In either case, knowing how to talk to an insurance claims adjuster, and understanding claims adjusters’ motives, is important.

Here are some tips for dealing with claims adjusters; however, we recommend that you call our California personal injury lawyers for more information and legal support.

Understand a Claim Adjusters’ Objective

The first thing that is important to realize when talking to an insurance adjuster is that the individual is not concerned with making sure that you get a fair and just settlement; rather, the primary job of an insurance adjuster is to save the insurance company money.

This means that it will be more likely than not that the insurance adjuster will be looking for ways to diminish the value of your claim and offer you as little as possible.

It is important that you are aware of this, and therefore converse with the adjuster in a guarded manner - don’t admit fault, don’t make statements that could be construed as admissions of guilt, such as “I’m sorry,” and don’t sign anything without having it reviewed by an attorney first.

Need Help Talking to Your Insurance Adjuster?

Starpoint Law is a goal and client oriented firm that has experience helping clients dealing with insurance adjusters and insurance companies. Let's face it, the insurance company is going to give you lowest-possible rate when it comes to dealing with your accident. Starpoint Law is the opposite, we work to get you the most out of your accident.

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Always Be Calm and Professional

Insurance adjusters can be frustrating or in some cases, even infuriating. You may be mad that your claim is taking so long to process, emotional about the extent of your injuries, and fed up with your insurers’ delay in paying you what you deserve.

Despite the collection of emotions you may be experiencing, we strongly recommend that you remain as calm and professional as possible in your interactions with an insurance adjuster.

Just like everyone else, an insurance adjuster will likely not respond well to verbal attacks.

As the old adage goes, you’ll attract more flies with honey than with vinegar - being calm will only help you in your overall objective of recovering a fair settlement.

Keep Details Between You and Your Lawyer

One of the primary jobs of an insurance adjuster is to investigate your accident and get as much information from you as possible.

This means that you can expect to be asked a lot of questions about how your accident occurred, what you were doing at the time of the accident, how you have been recovering post-accident, the extent of your injuries, and more.

While you may be tempted to open up about it all--after all, you’ve experienced trauma and may want to talk about it--refrain from giving too many details.

While you should answer basic questions, too many details could be used against you, especially if they are not 100 percent accurate.

This is also true when speaking about your injuries - don’t give too much information yet.

If something is discovered later, your insurance adjuster may claim that it’s not related to the accident, or that you weren’t or aren’t being completely truthful.

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Be Honest With the Insurance Adjuster

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when speaking with an insurance adjuster is that of being dishonest. Indeed, even a small white light or a slight hyperbole could have a negative effect on your claim, discrediting other statements that you make.

When asked questions that you don’t know the answer to, it is best to say “I don’t know.”

For all other questions, it is best to politely refer the insurance adjuster to your attorney.

Politely Refuse to Sign Anything

Finally, the insurance adjuster assigned to your case will likely ask you to sign some documents, such as a release of your medical records or/and a settlement and release of claims.

Do not sign these documents or any others that are handed to you.

You should always politely explain to the insurance adjuster that you want to have all documents reviewed by your attorney first.

Contact Star Point Law for a Free Consultation Today

Dealing with a claims adjuster can be complicated, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. Our lawyers are here to represent you throughout the entire process, and will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

To learn more about how to talk to the insurance claims adjuster and how our lawyers will work diligently to improve the chances of you recovering your full settlement amount, please call us today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.

Aidin Ghavimi

Aidin is a partner at Starpoint LC, Attorneys at Law, and focuses on personal injury and employment law cases in and around Southern California. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the Loyola School of Law and his Bachelor’s from USC. Aidin’s primary goal is to bring justice to his clients and to ensure they are able to move on with their lives after a serious injury.