You’re hurt. Or your car’s totaled. Maybe both. You’re still shaken, trying to figure out what’s next, and then your phone rings. It’s an insurance adjuster, wanting to “ask a few questions.” They’ll sound friendly. Calm. Helpful. But remember: they are not calling to help you. They’re calling to help the company that signs their checks.
You Don’t Owe Them a Conversation
You can say no. You can let it go to voicemail. You can schedule it later or never. You’re not obligated to speak with them the moment they reach out. If you’ve got a lawyer, your answer is simple: “Please direct all questions to my attorney.”
Insurance adjusters don’t have a badge or a warrant. You’re allowed to take a breath and figure out the right move. They’ll press. That’s part of the playbook, but pressure doesn’t equal authority.
Skip the Recorded Statement
Adjusters love to ask for a recorded statement. They’ll make it sound routine, like it’s a checkbox before your claim moves forward. Don’t fall for it.
Recorded statements are about control. They want your words on tape so they can look for inconsistencies later. Even a phrase like “I’m feeling better” can be twisted into “You weren’t that hurt.” You’re not required to agree to be recorded, and in most cases, you shouldn’t.
Stick to the Bare Minimum
If you do talk, keep it short. Keep it dry. Say what happened, not what you think happened. Don’t guess. Don’t fill in the blanks. And for your own sake, don’t talk about injuries. What you feel today could change tomorrow—and they’ll use that gap to paint you as dishonest.
Never admit fault, and don’t try to be polite with phrases like “I didn’t see them coming” or “It might’ve been my fault.” Adjusters are trained to pick up on anything that sounds like doubt. Your job isn’t to be nice. It’s to protect your rights.
Do Not Sign a Thing
It’s common for adjusters to offer a quick check. A settlement. Something that feels like closure. But don’t confuse fast with fair.
If you sign their release, that’s it. You’re done. Even if new injuries surface. Even if the bills keep piling up. The moment you cash that check, your case is closed.
No one offers full value on Day 3. Early settlement offers are built to save the company money. They’re betting you’re overwhelmed, under-informed, and ready to move on. Don’t play into their hands.
Lawyers Make Them Nervous for a Reason
The moment you involve a lawyer, the game changes. Adjusters stop with the lowball offers and tricky language. They stop trying to steer the conversation. Because they know they’re not dealing with someone vulnerable anymore. They’re dealing with someone ready to fight.
Even if you’re not ready to hire a lawyer, a consultation can make a world of difference. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what’s fair and a better read on who you’re up against.
Don’t Get Played
An insurance adjuster’s job isn’t to help you. It’s to limit what the company pays. That’s not cynicism. That’s the job description. So when they call—pause. Think. Protect yourself. Say as little as possible. And if something feels off, get help.
Robin Frazer Clark, P.C. doesn’t let insurance companies bully people into bad decisions. If an adjuster is pushing you, call (404) 873-3700. You deserve someone in your corner who doesn’t back down—and doesn’t settle for less than justice.