After a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim. While adjusters may appear helpful and sympathetic, their primary objective is to minimize the amount the insurer pays out. Understanding their tactics is essential to protecting the full value of your claim.
The Quick Settlement Offer
One of the most common tactics is presenting a fast, low settlement offer before you have fully assessed your injuries or losses. These early offers are frequently far below what your claim is actually worth. Once you accept and sign a release, you generally cannot seek additional compensation — even if your condition worsens. Never accept a settlement without first consulting an attorney.
Requesting a Recorded Statement
Adjusters often ask accident victims to provide a recorded statement early in the claims process. These recordings are reviewed carefully for any statement that can be used to reduce your claim or assign comparative fault. You are generally not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer, and doing so without legal counsel can be risky.
Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance companies routinely challenge the extent of injuries, arguing that they were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident. They may request access to your full medical history looking for prior conditions they can use to reduce your payout. Comprehensive and consistent medical documentation is your best defense against this strategy.
Delaying the Claims Process
Some adjusters use deliberate delays to pressure claimants into accepting lower offers. When medical bills mount and income is lost, the financial strain can push accident victims toward accepting settlements that do not fully cover their damages.
Shifting Comparative Fault
Florida follows a modified comparative fault system. Adjusters may try to argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, which can reduce or eliminate your compensation. Be cautious about making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.