After a car accident, one of the first calls you may get is from an insurance adjuster. They might seem helpful, polite, and even sympathetic—but make no mistake, their goal isn’t to protect you. Their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Pearland or anywhere in Texas, knowing how to handle these conversations is essential. At Hildebrand & Wilson, LLP, we’ve helped many injured victims deal with aggressive or misleading insurance tactics. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Role of an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster investigates claims and decides how much the insurance company should pay. There are two types of adjusters:
- Your insurance adjuster, who represents your own coverage (such as for medical payments or property damage)
- The other driver’s insurance adjuster, who works to protect their insured and their company
In both cases, the adjuster is trained to ask questions that may minimize your payout or even shift blame onto you.
What Insurance Adjusters Don’t Want You to Know
- They’re allowed to record your statement and use anything you say against you later.
- They may delay your claim to pressure you into settling for less.
- They’re looking for inconsistencies in your story or medical care timeline.
- They often make lowball offers quickly to close the case before you understand the true cost of your injuries.
That’s why it’s so important to know what to say—and what not to say—when they call.
Tips for Talking to Insurance Adjusters
1. Be Polite but Guarded
You don’t have to be rude, but you also don’t have to share every detail. Give basic facts like your name, the date of the accident, and your vehicle info—but avoid discussing the accident itself or your injuries.
2. Don’t Admit Fault
Even saying something as simple as “I didn’t see the other car” could be twisted into an admission of fault. In Texas, comparative fault laws can reduce your compensation if you’re found partially responsible.
3. Refuse to Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Politely decline and tell them you’ll be speaking with a lawyer.
4. Don’t Sign Anything
Sometimes, the insurance company will ask you to sign a medical release or settlement agreement. Don’t do it without consulting a lawyer. You could be giving them access to your entire medical history—or waiving your rights to future claims.
5. Avoid Discussing Your Injuries in Detail
You may not even know the full extent of your injuries yet. Saying “I feel fine” might seem harmless but could be used to argue that you weren’t seriously hurt.
6. Keep Records of Everything
Document all calls, emails, and letters from the insurance company. Write down the adjuster’s name, the date, and a summary of what was said. This could be helpful if a dispute arises later.
Why Having a Lawyer Makes a Huge Difference
When you work with Hildebrand & Wilson, LLP, we handle all communication with insurance companies for you. You won’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. We know how insurance companies operate, and we’re not afraid to push back.
Here’s how we help:
- Evaluate your claim’s true value based on current and future damages
- Handle adjusters and insurance reps directly so you don’t have to
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to act reasonably
We’ve recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims across Pearland and the surrounding areas. You don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone.
What If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim?
It happens more than you’d think. Sometimes claims are denied outright. Other times, they’ll offer a small settlement and hope you accept it out of desperation. You have the right to fight back—and we can help.
We’ll investigate the crash, gather medical evidence, bring in expert witnesses if needed, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Our goal is always to secure full and fair compensation for our clients.
Contact a Pearland Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were in an accident in Pearland or anywhere in Texas, don’t let an insurance adjuster control the outcome of your claim. You have legal rights, and you deserve someone who will fight to protect them.
Hildebrand & Wilson, LLP has a long track record of standing up for injured people against insurance companies. We offer free consultations, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Call 281-557-6406 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation today. Don’t wait—protect yourself before it’s too late.