Injury guide
Talking to insurance adjusters after a crash
Reviewed by Nolan Ryan McConville, Texas attorney since 2016 · Updated October 2026
Within a day or two of a crash, you will probably hear from an insurance adjuster. They may be friendly, quick to respond and eager to help you wrap things up.
Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company. Their job is to evaluate the claim and keep what the company pays in check. Here is what to know before you talk to one, especially about recorded statements, medical authorizations and early offers.
Two insurers
Know which adjuster you are talking to
After a crash, you may deal with two different insurers, and what you owe each one is different.
Your own insurer
Handles claims under your policy, such as PIP, UM/UIM and collision coverage.
The other driver's insurer
Handles the liability claim against its customer.
Duty to cooperate
Your policy likely requires you to cooperate with your own insurer, including reporting the crash promptly.
No similar duty
You generally have no similar duty to the other driver's insurer. That difference matters when you decide what to say and sign.
Statements
Recorded statements
Adjusters often ask for a recorded statement early, sometimes on the first call. It can sound routine, but the statement is evidence, and the insurer can use it later.
Leading questions
Questions can be phrased in ways that lead to answers that hurt your claim.
Common slips
You might guess at a speed, say you feel "fine" before your injuries have fully shown up, or describe the crash in a way that suggests shared blame.
Why blame matters
Under Texas modified comparative fault, any share of blame can reduce your recovery, and more than 50% bars it.
- You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.
- If you speak with any adjuster, stick to basic facts and avoid guessing.
- Do not describe your injuries as minor or say you are fine.
- It is reasonable to say you would like to talk with a lawyer first.
Medical records
Medical authorizations
Adjusters may send a form that lets the insurer collect your medical records directly. These authorizations are often broad.
Years of records
They can reach years of records that have nothing to do with the crash.
Prior conditions
The insurer may use those records to argue your pain comes from an old injury or a prior condition.
Send what applies
The insurer does need medical information, but it is usually better for your side to gather and send the records that apply to the crash than to give open-ended access.
Review before signing
Read any authorization carefully before you sign it, and ask a lawyer to review it.
Early offers
Early settlement offers
Some insurers make an offer quickly, sometimes before you have finished treatment. The problem is timing.
A tempting check
A fast check can be tempting when bills are piling up and you are out of work.
Injuries take time
Early on, no one knows the full extent of your injuries. Some, such as concussions and back injuries, can take weeks to fully show.
Settling ends it
If you settle and sign a release, you usually give up the right to ask for more, even if your condition turns out to be worse than anyone expected.
Releases
Releases are usually final
A settlement almost always comes with a release. Once signed, it generally ends your claim against the people and companies it names.
Read every word
Pay attention to who is being released and what claims are covered.
Know your injuries
Do not sign until you understand your injuries and your future medical needs.
Know every policy
Do not sign until you know every insurance policy that may apply.
Tactics
Other common adjuster tactics
Not every adjuster acts the same way, but some approaches come up often.
- Pointing to a gap in treatment as proof you were not really hurt.
- Asking about prior injuries or old accidents.
- Suggesting you do not need a lawyer for a simple claim.
- Making an opening offer of nothing at all to see whether you will push back.
- Checking your social media for photos or posts that look inconsistent with your injuries.
Treatment gaps
Pointing to a gap in treatment as proof you were not really hurt.
Your history
Asking about prior injuries or old accidents.
No lawyer needed
Suggesting you do not need a lawyer for a simple claim.
Zero offers
Making an opening offer of nothing at all to see whether you will push back.
Social media checks
Checking your social media for photos or posts that look inconsistent with your injuries.
Separate claims
Property damage and injury are separate
Adjusters often handle the car repair claim and the injury claim on different tracks, sometimes with different adjusters.
Usually separate
Settling the property damage claim usually does not settle your injury claim.
Read the paperwork
Read any paperwork carefully to make sure.
Watch release language
Be cautious if a property damage check or form includes language about releasing "all claims."
First call
A simple way to handle the first call
If the other driver's adjuster calls and you are not ready to talk, you can keep it short.
Mention your care
Say you are still getting medical care.
Confirm the basics
You can confirm your name and contact information.
No statement for now
Say you are not giving a recorded statement right now, and ask them to send any requests in writing.
Take notes
Then write down the adjuster's name, phone number and claim number.
I'm still getting medical care. I'm not giving a recorded statement right now. Please send any requests in writing.
Safe steps
What you can safely do
While your claim is open, a few simple habits protect it.
Report to your insurer
Report the crash to your own insurer promptly.
Basics if you choose
Give the other driver's insurer your name, contact information and basic facts if you choose to.
Keep notes
Note every call, including the adjuster's name, the date and what was said. Save every letter and email.
Keep getting care
Keep getting the medical care your doctors recommend.
Representation
When a lawyer takes over the calls
Once you have a lawyer, the adjusters talk to your lawyer instead of you.
Less pressure
That takes the pressure off you.
Focus on evidence
It keeps the claim focused on evidence, not on catching you off guard.
Tracking deadlines
Someone on your side is tracking deadlines, such as the general two-year limit for filing a Texas injury lawsuit.
Next step
Talk to Nolan
If an adjuster is calling, asking for a statement or making an offer, Nolan can review it with you before you respond.
Direct with Nolan
He handles his own cases and his own calls, so you talk directly with the lawyer working on your claim.
Free consultation
The consultation is free, and there is no attorney's fee unless money is recovered.
Call Nolan
Call (214) 706-4031.
Related cases
Related practice areas
Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Brain injuries
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