After a car accident, one of the first calls you’ll likely receive is from an insurance adjuster. They may sound friendly and helpful, and some genuinely are. But it’s important to remember that an adjuster’s job is to resolve the claim for as little as reasonably possible. Knowing how the claims process works, and what to say and avoid, can protect the value of your claim.
Understanding Who You’re Dealing With
Your Own Insurance Company
Your policy requires you to report the accident promptly and cooperate with your insurer. Your own company may handle claims for collision damage, medical payments coverage, or uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
The Other Driver’s Insurance Company
If another driver caused the crash, their insurer is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages under their liability coverage. This adjuster doesn’t represent you, and anything you say can be used to limit or deny your claim.
California Insurance Basics
California requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, and those minimum limits increased in 2025. Even so, minimum policies often fall short for serious injuries. That’s why it’s also important to know your own policy, including whether you carry:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Collision coverage
- Rental car reimbursement
What to Say and What Not to Say
Information You Can Share
- Your name and contact information
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Basic facts about the vehicles involved
- Your insurance information
Things to Avoid
- Apologizing or saying anything that sounds like admitting fault
- Guessing about speeds, distances, or what happened if you’re unsure
- Saying you’re “fine” or “not hurt” before seeing a doctor
- Discussing prior injuries or medical history in detail
- Agreeing to a recorded statement with the other driver’s insurer without advice
Common Tactics Adjusters Use
Quick Settlement Offers
An early offer may seem convenient, but it often comes before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept and sign a release, you usually can’t reopen the claim.
Requests for Broad Medical Authorizations
Some insurers ask for access to your entire medical history, looking for pre-existing conditions they can blame for your symptoms. Limit authorizations to records related to the accident.
Questioning the Need for Treatment
Adjusters may argue that treatment was unnecessary or that gaps in care mean you weren’t really hurt. Consistent treatment and following your doctor’s recommendations help counter this.
Shifting Blame
Because California uses pure comparative negligence, every percentage of fault assigned to you reduces your recovery. Adjusters may look for ways to argue you were partly responsible.
Delays
Some claims move slowly, putting financial pressure on injured people to accept less. California regulations require insurers to handle claims fairly and within certain time frames.
Documenting Your Claim
Good documentation strengthens your position with any adjuster:
- Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
- The police report number
- Medical records, bills, and receipts
- Pay stubs and a letter from your employer about missed work
- Repair estimates and rental car receipts
- A journal describing pain, limitations, and missed activities
When a Claim Is Denied or Undervalued
If an insurer denies a valid claim or makes an offer that doesn’t cover your losses, you still have options. You can provide additional evidence, negotiate further, or file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, which is generally two years from the date of injury for personal injury claims in California.
Getting Help With the Claims Process
Dealing with the insurance company after a car wreck can feel like a second job while you’re trying to recover. A Folsom car accident lawyer can take over communication with adjusters, gather the evidence needed to support your claim, and push back when offers don’t reflect the true value of your injuries.
Before You Accept Any Offer
- Have you finished medical treatment or received a clear prognosis?
- Does the offer cover future care and lost income?
- Are all property damage and out-of-pocket costs included?
- Do you understand what rights you’re giving up by signing?
