After a California car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster or company will waste no time contacting you. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to minimize what they pay, not to help you. They’ll ask for documents and statements, but they won’t tell you that you don’t have to give them everything they ask for.
There are five specific things they might claim they have a right to, but providing them could seriously hurt your case. Read on to learn about those and why you should never hand them over without legal counsel.
Can the Other Party’s Insurance Adjuster Contact Me After a Car Accident?
The other party’s insurance can contact you after a car accident. But this doesn’t mean you must answer or give all the information they ask for. Here’s how they might try to do it when conversing with you:
- Twisting Your Words Against You – They may ask seemingly innocent questions, hoping you’ll say something that shifts blame onto you, such as saying sorry, even if you weren’t at fault.
- Downplaying Your Injuries – A simple, “Are you feeling better today?” can be used to suggest your injuries aren’t serious, even when you’re still suffering.
- Pressuring You to Settle Fast – They may dangle a quick payout, hoping you’ll accept before you realize the actual cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You deserve full and fair compensation, not what the insurance company thinks is enough. Before speaking with an adjuster, talk to a lawyer who will fight for you.
5 Things Insurance Adjusters Want That You Shouldn’t Give Them
After a car accident, the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster may seem cooperative, but their goal is not to help you but to protect their company’s profits. They may use misleading tactics to minimize or deny your claim.
Here are the things you should not give the insurance provider when speaking with them:
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Recorded Statement
The adjuster will likely ask you to provide a statement, and they’ll want to record it. Politely refuse. Even the slightest inconsistency between your statement, the police report, and later testimony can be used against you.
For example, you may recall that the accident happened around noon because you were heading to lunch. But if it occurred at 2 PM on a day you took a late lunch, the insurance company could twist this honest mistake into an argument that your memory is unreliable. Don’t give them that chance.
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Access to Your Records
Adjusters may offer to “help” by obtaining your medical records for you, but this is a trap. If you sign a waiver granting them access, they won’t just review documents related to your accident; they may dig into your entire medical history, looking for pre-existing conditions to blame for your injuries. Instead, always have your lawyer review any paperwork before signing.
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Social Security Number
An adjuster may ask for your Social Security number, claiming it’s necessary to process your claim. It’s not. Unless you’re receiving Medi-Cal or Medicare benefits (and your attorney confirms it’s required), never share this sensitive information.
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Names
If you provide names of family members, friends, or even co-workers, the insurance company may contact them without your knowledge to find inconsistencies.
For example, they might call a friend or family member and casually ask how you are doing. If your friend says, “Oh, they’re doing a little better,” the adjuster could use that as “proof” that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Moreover, if they contact your doctor, they may try to get details about your medical history, even conditions unrelated to your accident, to argue that your injuries existed before the crash.
If an insurance adjuster is asking for information, pause before answering. Call a personal injury lawyer first to ensure everything you share is in your best interest, not the insurance company’s.
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Unnecessary Details
Every word you say matters when speaking with an insurance adjuster after an accident. Insurance companies are skilled at twisting even the most minor details to reduce your compensation or shift blame onto you.
That’s why it’s crucial to stick to the basics and only answer what is specifically asked. Anything extra you offer, no matter how innocent it seems, can come back to hurt your case.
Even a simple, offhand remark like, “I don’t remember exactly how fast I was going, can be misinterpreted as an admission that you were speeding. The less you say, the less they can use against you.
Remember that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. An experienced car crash attorney ensures you don’t fall into their traps. Protect your rights by consulting an attorney before speaking with an adjuster or signing anything.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Southern California
- Stay calm. Take a deep breath and try to remain as composed as possible.
- Call 911 or the police. You are legally required to report an accident, especially if it results in significant damage, injuries, or death. So, call the police and report the crash. A police report also provides an official record of the accident, which can be valuable evidence.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately. No matter how minor your injuries seem, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. Seeing a doctor ensures your well-being and creates medical records that could be crucial for your claim.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” could be twisted into an admission of guilt.
- Gather evidence. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries if possible.
- Exchange information. Collect the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Speak with witnesses. Get statements and contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
- Cooperate with law enforcement. Answer questions truthfully but avoid speculating about fault.
- Don’t post about it on social media. Insurance adjusters can and will use your posts against you.
- Consult a California car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and help you build a strong case.
Should I Report a Car Accident to MY Insurance?
While it might be tempting to keep quiet, especially if you fear higher premiums, most insurance policies require you to report any accident, even if you don’t plan to file a claim.
However, many drivers hesitate to report an accident because:
- They worry their insurance rates will skyrocket.
- They believe they can handle the situation on their own.
- They assume they won’t need their coverage to pay for damages.
But failing to notify your insurer could put you at risk. In some cases, it may even violate your policy, leaving you unprotected when you need coverage the most.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, your contract may require you to report it. This is especially important in cases like hit-and-run accidents, where your uninsured motorist coverage might be the only way to recover damages.
What Happens if I Don’t Report the Car Crash?
Ignoring this step might seem harmless at first, but it could have serious consequences:
- Your Insurance May Deny Future Claims
Insurance companies may deny your claim if you fail to report on time. Let’s say you’re involved in a minor fender bender. You don’t exchange contact information with the other driver or notify your insurer, thinking it’s no big deal. Days later, you develop painful symptoms from hidden injuries and need medical care. But when you turn to your coverage for help, your insurance company denies your claim because you failed to report the accident on time.
- Your Insurance Company Could Drop You
Insurance providers expect transparency, and repeatedly failing to report accidents could lead to them canceling your policy altogether. If they determine you’ve been withholding information, they may refuse to continue covering you.
- Your Rates Could Increase.
Many people assume that not reporting an accident will prevent a premium hike, but that’s not always true. If your insurer later discovers an unreported accident (through police reports, claim filings, or other drivers), they might raise your rates anyway.
Talk to a California car accident lawyer before you speak with the insurance company. A skilled attorney can handle all communication on your behalf, ensuring you don’t say anything that could harm your claim or lead to an unfair denial.
Why Do I Need a Car Crash Attorney When Handling My Case?
After an accident, your insurance company may seem like it’s on your side, but don’t be fooled. Every piece of information you provide can be used to limit your compensation. One of the biggest mistakes people make is giving information without legal representation, as they often share critical details that can break their case.
This is why consulting a California car accident lawyer before talking to the insurance adjuster is crucial. If you hire an attorney, they will handle all communications to avoid jeopardizing your claim. This will also allow you to focus on your recovery instead of dealing with the stress of going back and forth with the insurance provider.
Overall, a car accident attorney in California can do the following to win your case:
- Building a Powerful Case for You—Your attorney tirelessly collects crucial evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness accounts, and expert evaluations, showcasing exactly who’s at fault and the life-altering impact of your injuries.
- Uncovering Every Dollar You’re Owed – It’s not just about covering immediate medical expenses. Your lawyer digs deep to account for lost wages, ongoing medical care, emotional suffering, and even future income potential, ensuring no loss goes unnoticed.
- Standing Firm Against Insurance Giants – Insurance companies often lowball victims, but a determined attorney fights back with undeniable evidence and legal expertise, demanding the settlement you deserve.
- Prepared to Fight for You in Court – When insurance companies refuse to be fair, your lawyer steps up, filing a lawsuit and turning up the heat to secure the justice and compensation you deserve, whether through negotiation or a court verdict.
At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we’ve stood by thousands of accident victims across California, securing fair outcomes and peace of mind. Call 800-333-0000 for your free consultation today, and take the first step toward justice.
Connect with a trusted auto accident lawyer today — your first case review is free, and there’s no pressure to hire.
What Our Clients Say About Us
While many personal injury lawyers may accept your case and build a legal defense, none will champion your cause as fiercely as we do. Our California car accident attorneys are exceptionally well-equipped to create a flawless claim, as affirmed by our previous clients:
“Larry H. Parker’s office provides a great follow-up for my case. They really take care of all of the details, and one doesn’t have to worry about anything.” Roger Mujica
Frequently Asked Questions
Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is critical for safeguarding your rights and getting proper compensation, regardless of whether you are the driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
If you have further questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked concerns about road accidents.
- Can I Switch California Personal Injury Lawyers?
- Who is Liable for a Car Accident with an Unlicensed Driver?
- California Brake Check Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
- California Personal Injury Settlements: Taxable or Not?
References
Vehicle Code – VEH DIVISION 10. ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS [20000 – 20018]. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=20008.
