How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters
When dealing with an insurance adjuster, share only the essential facts about your claim—don’t admit fault, speculate about what happened, estimate damages or rush into decisions. Never agree to a settlement or sign anything until you fully understand how it could affect you in the future.
Whether you’ve been injured in a car crash, experienced storm damage, or suffered another kind of loss, one thing is clear: you’ll likely have to deal with an insurance adjuster. Remember, they work for the insurance company—not for you—and their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. Having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers are determined to help clients achieve their goals — whether pursuing compensation after suffering serious injuries or significant property damage. We thoroughly understand insurance tactics and how to counter them. Schedule a free consultation today.
An Insurance Adjuster Is Not Your Advocate
It is easy to assume the insurance adjuster is on your side because they seem empathetic and friendly. But, as noted, their job is to protect the insurer’s interests, not yours. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Even well-meaning or courteous conversations can be part of a strategy to reduce your compensation. Approach every interaction carefully. Remember, the adjuster is a representative of the company, not your advocate.
Keep Communications Short and Factual
In general we advise no communications with the insurance company, especially after an accident, until you’ve spoken to counsel. At very most, lLimit your communication with the insurance adjuster to the essential facts. Provide only the necessary details, such as the date, time, and location of the incident and the identities of those involved. Do not admit fault, even in part.
You are not required to provide a recorded statement, despite what the adjuster may suggest. These recordings are often used to challenge or minimize your claim later. You have the legal right to decline making a formal statement and to request time to consult with an attorney before proceeding. This simple step protects your rights and ensures your claim is handled fairly.
Avoid Downplaying Your Injuries or Your Damages
Minimizing the severity of your injuries or the extent of your property damage can significantly undermine your claim. Whether motivated by a desire to appear resilient, avoid conflict, or simply due to uncertainty about the full impact of the incident, statements like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad” can later be used by insurers to argue that your losses are minor or unrelated to the incident.
In personal injury claims, symptoms often worsen over time or may not fully manifest until days or even weeks later. Similarly, what appears to be minor property damage at first may later reveal hidden structural or mechanical issues that require costly repairs.
Early statements to insurance adjusters or in written reports carry significant legal weight and may limit your ability to pursue full compensation once the true scope of the injury or damage becomes clear.
Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often extend early settlement offers to resolve claims quickly—often before the full extent of damage is known. Once a settlement agreement or release is signed, the injured party typically forfeits the right to seek additional compensation, regardless of future complications or newly discovered losses.
Do not sign any settlement documents without a thorough legal review. Adjusters may minimize the severity of your damages or imply that the offer is final or fair. Before accepting any settlement, take the time to understand the full scope of your losses and your legal rights.
Consult Legal Counsel
When injuries are severe, claims involve complex issues, or an insurance adjuster becomes uncooperative or adversarial, seeking immediate legal representation is critical.
An experienced personal injury or property damage attorney at Rhine Law Firm, P.C. can protect your rights, ensure compliance with North Carolina law, and manage all communications with the insurance company—reducing the risk of misstatements or accepting an unfavorable settlement.
Our legal team conducts a comprehensive investigation, assesses economic and non-economic damages, and advocates for full and fair compensation. If a just resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to litigate the matter in court.
When It Really Matters—Contact Rhine Law Firm, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Unfortunately, it’s the job of the insurer and insurance adjusters to try to resolve your claim with as small a payout as possible, and they will try to weave a story about your losses that minimizes its effects on your life and emphasizes your culpability. Bring us on board to counter that narrative. We invite you to contact Rhine Law Firm, P.C., for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.
About Us
Rhine Law Firm, P.C. serves clients throughout North Carolina and nationwide, specializing in complex civil litigation led by Joel Rhine. With expertise in personal injury, car accidents, property damage, sex abuse, and more, the firm is passionate about taking on challenging cases. They emphasize providing personalized legal representation, prioritizing their clients’ best interests while offering state-of-the-art legal strategies. Rhine Law Firm’s dedicated attorneys enjoy the fight for justice and are committed to guiding clients through complicated legal processes. The firm offers free consultations, flexible appointment scheduling, and Spanish language services.
