Dealing With Insurance Adjusters After A Crash What Not To Say In Los Angeles

Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After a Crash in Los Angeles

After a car accident in Los Angeles, one of the first people to contact you will likely be an insurance adjuster. While they may seem helpful, insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Their job is to minimize the amount the company pays on your claim.

What Not to Say to Insurance Adjusters

• "I'm sorry" — Apologies can be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you were not at fault.
• "I feel fine" — Some injuries don't appear immediately. Saying you feel fine can be used against you if symptoms develop later.
• "It was my fault" — Fault determination is complex; let investigators and attorneys assess it.
• "I'll accept your offer" — Never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
• Giving a recorded statement — You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Anything recorded can be used to minimize your claim.

Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use

• Calling quickly after the accident to get a recorded statement before you understand your injuries
• Offering a fast, low settlement before you know the full extent of damages
• Questioning whether your injuries are related to the accident
• Citing pre-existing conditions to reduce your claim
• Requesting access to all your medical records (which may reveal unrelated conditions)

How to Protect Yourself

• Stick to basic facts: names, contact info, insurance info, and the date, time, and location of the crash.
• Do not speculate about speed, fault, or what happened.
• Tell the adjuster you need to consult with an attorney before making any statements.
• Keep copies of all correspondence with insurance companies.

When to Contact a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, contacting an attorney before speaking extensively with insurance adjusters can protect your rights and dramatically increase your settlement. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.