We pick up the phone and hear a calm voice asking how we feel, what happened, and whether we are ready to “help them help us.” It sounds caring. It is not. Insurance adjusters work for the insurer, not for us, and their goal is to limit payouts. When we start talking to insurance after accident chaos, the wrong word can cost thousands.
In this guide, we share what to tell insurance adjuster teams and, more importantly, what to keep private. We focus on Los Angeles and Encino drivers, where California law sets strict timelines and comparative fault rules. We will give practical scripts, safer phrases, and a clear plan for handling calls. We will also explain when to bring in a lawyer so you do not sign away your rights.
If you remember one idea, make it this: speak in basic facts, decline recordings, avoid guesses, and get legal advice before you sign anything. That one habit protects the value of your claim and your peace of mind.
Talking to Insurance After an Accident: Common Adjuster Tactics
Photo by Jorge Romero
Adjusters reach out fast. They sound friendly and say they only need a few details. Then they ask about speed, injuries, and what we “could have done differently.” They request recorded statements, broad medical releases, and sometimes offer money if we sign right now.
Behind the scenes, they review our medical records, compare statements, and look for any inconsistency. If something does not line up, they use it to challenge liability, the extent of our injuries, or the value of our losses. Even small comments can give them an opening.
For a deeper checklist of first steps with insurers, see our resource on immediate actions after injury with insurance companies.
The friendly approach that lowers our guard
A warm tone and small talk invite oversharing. We might say, “I am fine,” or “I did not see the other car,” trying to be helpful.
A safer path:
- Stay polite.
- Confirm the adjuster’s name, title, and contact information.
- Say, “I am not prepared to discuss details right now. Please contact me by email. I will follow up after I have legal guidance.”
Then end the call.
Fishing for admissions of fault or speed
Questions like “How fast were you going?” or “Where were you looking?” seek to shift blame. California uses comparative negligence, so any percentage of fault they pin on us can reduce our payout.
A safer response:
- “The investigation is ongoing. I am not able to discuss fault.”
- “I prefer to provide any statement in writing after I review my records.”
Quick lowball offers and forms to sign
Early offers often miss future medical care, lost wages, or pain and suffering. That check can look tempting when bills stack up. The catch is the release. Signing can block future claims.
A safer response:
- “I am not ready to discuss settlement at this time.”
- “Please send any documents to my attorney for review.”
Delay tactics and document overload
Some adjusters slow-roll claims, ask for repeated records, and say things are “still under review.” The goal is to wear us down so we accept less.
A safer response:
- Keep a clean file of all bills, records, and communications.
- Route all requests through counsel to control the flow and content.
For common mistakes to avoid in Los Angeles cases, read our guide on pitfalls to avoid in post-accident claims.
Phrases That Hurt Your Claim: What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
When we think about what to tell insurance adjuster staff, it helps to remember what not to say. The wrong phrase can be misread, then used to deny or discount the claim. Use these safer scripts.
“It was my fault” or “I could have avoided it”
Never admit fault at the scene or on the phone. Fault is a legal question, not a feeling.
Safer script:
- “The investigation is ongoing, and I prefer to speak after I have legal guidance.”
“I’m fine” or guessing about injuries
Some injuries surface days later, like concussions or soft tissue damage. Saying we are fine can be used to argue we were not hurt.
Safer script:
- “I am getting medical care and will share updates through my attorney.”
Also, see a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt care protects our health and supports our claim.
Detailed timelines, speeds, or distances
Guessing about speed, time, or distance creates targets for cross-checking. If our estimate conflicts with a report or photo, it can hurt.
Safer script:
- “I will provide verified details in writing after reviewing my records.”
Prior medical history or unrelated conditions
Broad medical disclosures invite arguments that pain comes from old injuries. Do not sign blanket medical releases.
Safer script:
- “I am not comfortable discussing medical history. Please send a narrowly tailored request to my attorney.”
Talking about money or agreeing to a quick offer
Discussing a dollar amount too early can anchor the claim low. Early offers rarely cover long-term care, future wage loss, or pain and suffering.
Safer script:
- “I am not ready to discuss settlement. Please direct all offers to my attorney.”
Recorded Statements: Dangers, Traps, and Safer Responses
A recorded statement locks us into early details, often before we know the full medical picture or have legal advice. Adjusters compare it to police reports, medical notes, and later statements, then point to any mismatch to discount value.
Why adjusters push for a recording
Recordings give them leverage. They want specifics on pain, speed, and reaction time before we speak to counsel or specialists. Later, if our medical team updates a diagnosis, the insurer points back to old words to claim inconsistency.
How recorded answers can reduce our payout
- We say “I’m okay,” meaning “I am stable,” and it gets used to argue no injury.
- We guess speed, then traffic cameras show something different, and they press a fault split.
- We describe pain as “soreness,” and they argue minor injury, not lasting harm.
How to decline a recorded statement
Keep it short and polite.
Safer script:
- “I am not comfortable with a recorded statement. Please direct questions to my attorney.”
If we already gave one
All is not lost.
Next steps:
- Request a copy of the recording and transcript.
- Write down any errors or missing context.
- Have counsel address inaccuracies during negotiations.
For a Los Angeles legal team that deals with recorded statement problems daily, meet our Encino car accident attorneys.
What to Tell Insurance Adjusters and What to Keep Private
We need to report a crash to our own insurer, but we still keep it brief and accurate. We share fewer details with the at-fault insurer and route the rest through counsel.
Basic facts we can share safely
- Our name and contact information
- Our insurer and policy number
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Vehicles involved, not fault
- Whether a police report exists
Stop there. Avoid injury details, speed, or long descriptions.
What to tell our insurer vs. the at-fault insurer
We must notify our own insurer promptly. Even then, avoid guesses or recorded statements without advice.
With the at-fault insurer, give only basic facts and refer all other questions to our attorney.
For a step-by-step checklist, review our guidance on steps to take post-accident when dealing with insurers.
Medical releases, social media, and privacy
- Do not sign blanket medical releases. They invite fishing expeditions.
- Do not post about the crash, photos of activities, or progress updates online. Posts can be taken out of context to question the severity of injuries.
A safer way to share documents
Let an attorney package police reports, medical records, bills, wage loss proof, and photos. A demand letter frames liability and damages, and it controls the narrative.
When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer and How They Deal With Adjusters
Calling a lawyer early pays for itself. In Los Angeles, adjusters often push quick settlements that miss long-term care or lost earnings. A lawyer counters those tactics, documents future needs, and keeps the process moving.
Signs we should call a lawyer now
- Serious injuries or ongoing pain
- Missed work or reduced hours
- Disputed fault or hit-and-run
- Multiple vehicles or commercial policies
- Rideshare involvement like Uber or Lyft
- Pressure to record a statement or sign forms
How lawyers build and present our claim
We investigate, collect records, and calculate full damages. Then we send a detailed demand letter that explains fault, injuries, and the impact on daily life. This sets a strong anchor for negotiations.
To understand how Los Angeles counsel builds cases and manages timelines, see our team of California auto injury legal experts.
Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration if talks stall
If the insurer keeps the offer low, we can move to mediation or arbitration. These paths are faster than trial and can secure fair compensation without the stress of court. If needed, we litigate.
What to expect in Los Angeles claims
Timelines vary, often weeks to months. Healing and documentation move the case. Keep all appointments, follow medical advice, and route every insurer call through counsel. California’s statute of limitations applies, and Los Angeles adjusters watch for delays and inconsistencies.
Need local strategy? Learn the benefits of hiring a local LA personal injury lawyer.
Los Angeles Basics: Safety Steps, Reporting, and Common Pitfalls
Immediate safety steps
- Move to safety and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, debris, and road signs.
- Exchange names, contact info, license plates, and insurance details.
- Get witness names and numbers.
When to call police vs. when it is not necessary
Call the police if anyone is injured, if cars are not drivable, or if the other driver is aggressive or uninsured. A police report helps prove what happened and can carry weight with insurers.
California reporting requirements
California Vehicle Code requires reporting to the DMV within 10 days if injuries occurred or property damage exceeds a set threshold. Many insurers require notice within a short time window. Do not wait.
Common mistakes that hurt claims
- Saying “I’m fine” at the scene or on a call
- Delaying medical care
- Giving recorded statements without advice
- Signing blanket medical releases
- Posting about the crash on social media
Factors affecting case value
- Severity and duration of injuries
- Future medical care and rehab needs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Comparative fault arguments
- Insurance policy limits
- Quality of documentation and evidence
Types of damages in California
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs, including home help and travel for care
Realistic settlement examples
- Rear-end collision in Encino with soft tissue injuries, several months of therapy, and two months off work. Settlement values vary, often in the low to mid five figures if medical documentation is strong.
- Intersection crash in the San Fernando Valley with fractures, surgery, and long rehab. Values can reach six figures, sometimes higher, depending on policy limits and lasting impact.
Online calculators miss key factors. They cannot measure human losses, future care, or credibility. Personalized case review is more accurate.
For issues that commonly trip up Los Angeles claims, see our guide on why skip recorded statements to insurers.
FAQs: Talking To Insurance After Accident in Los Angeles
- Do I have to talk to the other driver’s insurer?
No. You can refer them to your attorney. Share only basic facts if you must speak. - What should I tell my own insurance company?
Report the crash quickly, provide basic facts, and avoid guesses. Decline recordings until you speak with a lawyer. - Should I sign a medical release?
Do not sign blanket releases. Ask your attorney to review any request and provide only records related to the crash. - How long do I have to file a claim in California?
California’s statute of limitations for injury claims is generally two years from the crash date. Property damage claims may have a different timeline. Speak with counsel for exact deadlines. - Can I post on social media if I am hurt?
It is risky. Insurers look for posts that suggest you are less hurt than claimed. Stay offline or keep it neutral and private until the case resolves. - When can I handle it myself?
Minor property-only claims with no injuries and clear fault may not need a lawyer. If you have pain, missed work, or medical care, talk to a lawyer first. - What speeds up a claim?
Prompt medical care, clean records, and quick responses help. Sending one organized package of evidence through counsel keeps things moving. - What slows it down?
Disputed fault, slow medical records, missed appointments, and changes in diagnosis extend timelines. - What if I already told the adjuster too much?
It happens. Get a copy of any recording, write down mistakes, and let your lawyer address it during negotiations.
How California Personal Injury Attorneys Helps
We handle everything so you can focus on healing. From your free consultation through resolution, we track medical care, collect records, and deal with adjusters for you. We keep you updated, help with vehicle repairs, and push for full value, including future medical care and lost earnings. We are based in Encino and serve the Los Angeles area 24/7. To understand how our process fits your case, explore the personal injury firm for car crashes in LA.
Conclusion
When talking to insurance after accident stress, keep it simple. Share only basic facts, do not admit fault, avoid guesses, decline recorded statements, and never sign documents before legal review. Seek prompt medical care, keep clean records, and route all calls through counsel. If you want protection from adjuster tactics and stronger negotiations, contact a trusted Los Angeles injury lawyer today. Let us fight for the full value of your claim while you focus on your recovery.