After an accident, one of the first calls you may receive is from an insurance adjuster. While the adjuster may sound friendly and helpful, it is important to remember that they aren’t on your side. They work for the insurance company — not you. And their job is to protect the company’s bottom line by gathering information that can be used to minimize your injuries and pay you as little as possible. What you say during these conversations can be taken out of context and used to undervalue your claim, leaving you with far less compensation than you deserve.
It’s crucial to contact an experienced attorney first.
At Zehl & Associates, we’ve won Billions for accident victims, securing record-breaking verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, including the #1 Truck Accident Settlement in Texas and the #1 Truck Accident Verdict in Texas. Our undefeated trial lawyers know the tactics insurance companies use to shift blame and pressure injury victims into accepting substantially less than their case is truly worth — and we refuse to back down until we recover the maximum compensation possible.
Many accident victims hurt their own claims by making incomplete, inaccurate, or taken-out-of-context statements. Below, we explain what not to say to an insurance adjuster and how our undefeated Texas Personal Injury Attorneys can help protect your rights and secure your future after a crash or injury in Texas.
Why Insurance Adjusters Ask Questions
Insurance adjusters gather information about the accident, injuries, property damage, and possible liability. They may contact you shortly after the accident while details are still unclear and before you fully understand your injuries.
Adjusters often ask questions to:
- Determine fault
- Evaluate damages
- Review insurance coverage
- Look for inconsistencies
- Limit the value of claims
Even casual comments may later be used to challenge your injury claim or reduce a settlement offer.
Because of this, accident victims should approach conversations with adjusters carefully and thoughtfully.
Do Not Admit Fault
One of the most important things to avoid is admitting fault for the accident. Many people apologize out of politeness, even when they are unsure what happened.
Statements like these can create problems:
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I didn’t see the other driver.”
- “I may have been speeding.”
- “The accident was partly my fault.”
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If an injured person is found more than 50% responsible for the accident, they may be unable to recover compensation.
Even a partial fault may reduce the amount of compensation available.
It is usually best to stick to basic facts and avoid speculating about responsibility before the investigation is complete.
Do Not Minimize Your Injuries
Many people tell adjusters they are “fine” shortly after an accident because they are still in shock or have not yet seen a doctor.
Avoid statements such as:
- “I feel okay.”
- “It’s not that serious.”
- “I’ll probably recover quickly.”
Some injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries, may take days or weeks to fully appear.
Minimizing injuries early on may later make it harder to recover compensation for medical treatment, pain, and future care. It is often safer to say that you are still being evaluated or receiving medical treatment.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement Too Quickly
Insurance companies sometimes ask accident victims to provide recorded statements soon after an accident.
A recorded statement may later be used to:
- Highlight inconsistencies
- Challenge injury claims
- Dispute liability
- Reduce settlement offers
You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company immediately after an accident.
Before agreeing to a recorded interview, many people consult a lawyer to better understand their rights and the potential risks.
Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer Too Quickly
Insurance companies sometimes make quick settlement offers before accident victims fully understand the extent of their injuries or financial losses.
Early settlement offers may not fully cover:
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disabilities
- Ongoing treatment
Once a settlement is accepted, additional compensation may no longer be available.
Taking time to understand your injuries and damages before accepting an offer may help protect your long-term financial interests.
Why Legal Guidance May Help
Insurance claims can become complicated when serious injuries, disputed liability, or large financial losses are involved.
A lawyer may help by:
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Reviewing settlement offers
- Gathering evidence
- Protecting your legal rights
- Calculating damages
Insurance companies often have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their financial interests.
Having legal guidance may help accident victims better understand the value of their claims and avoid mistakes during the process.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Personal Injury Lawyers at Zehl & Associates for Help Today
What you say to an insurance adjuster after an accident can significantly affect your injury claim. Admitting fault, minimizing injuries, speculating about the accident, or accepting a quick settlement offer may hurt your ability to recover full compensation under Texas law.
Zehl & Associates has built a reputation as one of the most successful personal injury law firms in Texas. Our firm is undefeated and has recovered Billions for injured clients, including some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Texas history.
If you were injured in an accident and are dealing with insurance adjusters, contact our undefeated Houston personal injury attorneys today to discuss your legal options.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours