How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters After an Accident

 

When you’ve been in an accident—whether it’s a fender bender or something more serious—the aftermath can be overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, car repairs, missed work, and maybe even emotional trauma. Then the phone rings. It’s the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim. What should you say? What shouldn’t you say? Do you even have to talk to them?

In this blog, we’ll explore what Charleston drivers need to know about dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident—and how a personal injury lawyer can protect your rights when the phone calls start rolling in.

What Is an Insurance Adjuster?

Insurance adjusters (sometimes called claims adjusters) work for insurance companies. Their job is to investigate claims and determine how much compensation you should receive. That includes reviewing damage, interviewing you and other parties, reviewing records, and ultimately offering a settlement. Sounds fair, right?

The catch is that insurance adjusters are not on your side. No matter how friendly they seem, their primary goal is to save their company money. That means offering the lowest possible payout, even if you’re entitled to more.

Should You Even Talk to the Insurance Adjuster?

If it’s your own insurance company, you must cooperate under the terms of your policy. But even then, you should be cautious about what you share. If the call is from the at-fault party’s insurer, you’re under no legal obligation to speak with them, and in most cases, you shouldn’t. Before talking to any insurance representative, it’s smart to speak with a lawyer in Charleston first.

What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are trained to steer conversations in a way that may trip you up. Here are a few things you should never say on a call:

• “I’m fine.” You may feel okay now, but some injuries—like whiplash or internal trauma—take days to show symptoms. Saying you’re fine can hurt your claim later.
• “It was my fault.” Even if you think you might be partially to blame, never admit fault. Liability can be complicated and should be determined through a legal process.
• “Here’s a recorded statement.” You’re not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. These recordings can be used against you.
• Speculative statements. Avoid guessing what happened or offering unclear details. “I think…” or “Maybe I was…” are phrases that can undermine your claim.

Tips for Talking to an Insurance Adjuster (If You Must)

If you do end up on the phone with an adjuster, keep it brief and stick to the facts:

• Get their name, company, and contact information.
• Keep calm and polite, but don’t overshare.
• Don’t discuss your injuries in detail. Say you’re still receiving treatment or being evaluated.
• Refuse to give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
• Never accept a settlement offer without speaking to a lawyer.

Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often move quickly to offer you a check—especially when they know the injuries are severe. It might seem like a relief at first, but it’s rarely in your best interest.

Here’s why:

• That first offer is usually far below what you’re entitled to.
• Once you accept it, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation—even if medical bills pile up later.
• You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or how they’ll affect your ability to work.

A Charleston Personal injury Lawyer can help you determine the actual value of your insurance claim—taking into account medical costs, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering.

What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You

You shouldn’t have to go toe-to-toe with a billion-dollar insurance company while recovering from an accident. A good personal injury attorney can:

• Communicate with adjusters on your behalf.
• Investigate the accident and gather evidence.
• Negotiate a fair settlement.
• Represent you in court if needed.
• Help you avoid costly missteps.

The goal is to get you the compensation you deserve, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.

Don’t Let the System Take Advantage of You

The period after an accident is when you’re most vulnerable—and unfortunately, that’s when the insurance company often tries to close the book on your claim. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. At Leffew Law Firm, we’ve helped countless Charleston residents protect their rights and fight for fair compensation after accidents of all kinds. We know how adjusters work. More importantly, we know how to work around them.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Charleston, don’t navigate the insurance confusion alone. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s make sure your next steps are the right ones.

Need a Charleston, South Carolina, Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust?

Reach out to Leffew Law Firm today. We’ll handle the insurance company—so you can focus on healing. Call us at (843) 788-9332.