Setareh Law
January 20, 2026
One wrong sentence to an insurance adjuster can compromise your entire claim. After an accident, when you’re dealing with injuries and mounting bills, insurance companies send adjusters who know exactly which questions to ask and how to use your answers against you.
The harsh reality is that insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their employer’s bottom line. At Setareh Law, we’ve seen countless valid claims weakened or denied because accident victims didn’t know what not to say during those crucial first conversations. Understanding how to protect your rights during these interactions can make the difference between fair compensation and walking away with far less than you deserve.
Why Insurance Adjusters Contact You Quickly
Insurance adjusters often reach out within hours of an accident. They want to catch you while you’re still shaken, before you’ve spoken with an attorney, and before you fully understand your injuries. This isn’t coincidence; it’s strategy. The faster they get a statement from you, the better chance they have of finding something to use against your claim.
During these early conversations, adjusters present themselves as friendly and helpful. They express concern about your well-being and offer to “just get your side of the story” to speed up the process. What they’re actually doing is building a case to pay you as little as possible.
Statements You Should Never Make
When talking to an insurance adjuster, certain phrases can severely damage your claim. Never say you’re “fine” or “okay” when asked about your condition. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage can take days or weeks to manifest. If you tell an adjuster you’re fine, they’ll use that statement later to argue your injuries aren’t serious.
Do Not Apologize
Never apologize or admit fault, even if you think you might be partially responsible. California follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Statements like “I should have been paying more attention” can be twisted to suggest you caused the accident.
Do Not Speculate
Avoid making definitive statements about the accident details when your memory is still foggy. Adrenaline and shock can distort your perception of events. If you’re not certain about something, don’t guess or speculate. Adjusters will hold you to every detail you provide, and inconsistencies in your story can be used to question your credibility.
Do Not Accept the First Offer
Never agree to a settlement amount during the first conversation. Adjusters often make lowball offers, hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your damages. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation, even if you discover more serious injuries later.
Why Recorded Statements Are Dangerous
Insurance adjusters frequently request permission to record your statement. They frame this as a routine part of the claims process, but recorded statements create permanent evidence the company can use against you. Once recorded, you cannot take back or clarify your words.
Insurance companies use sophisticated techniques to analyze recorded statements for inconsistencies and admissions. Professional adjusters are trained to ask leading questions designed to elicit responses favorable to their company. You’re under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to another driver’s insurance company.
How to Handle Insurance Conversations
When an adjuster contacts you, provide only the most basic information. Share your name, contact information, and the date and location of the accident. State you were involved in an accident with their insured, but don’t elaborate on the details or discuss your injuries.
If the adjuster persists or becomes pushy, remember you control the conversation. You can end the call at any time. Tell them you need to consult with legal counsel before discussing the accident further. This doesn’t make you look guilty. It shows you understand your rights and intend to protect them.
For conversations with your own insurance company, you generally have more obligations under your policy. However, you still should be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and don’t minimize your injuries.
Protect Your Claim With Setareh Law
Understanding what not to say to insurance adjusters after an accident gives you a critical advantage in protecting your rights. One careless comment cannot erase a valid claim, but it can significantly reduce the compensation you receive. Remember, adjusters are professionals trained to minimize payouts, while you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.
Setareh Law has recovered over $250 million for injured clients throughout California, drawing on 60 years of combined experience to stand up to insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation. Our team knows exactly how adjusters operate and what strategies they’ll use to devalue your claim. We handle all communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we build the strongest possible case on your behalf. Don’t let an insurance adjuster’s tactics cost you the compensation you deserve contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
