Handling Car Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident

Handling car insurance adjusters after a car accident can be challenging. It is important to remember that adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to find ways to deny claims and reduce settlements.

It can benefit you to have a car accident lawyer from our law firm on your side. We help clients in California and Idaho seek fair compensation for crash-related injuries.

What to Do If a Car Insurance Adjuster Contacts You

Drivers in California and Idaho are financially responsible for accidents they cause. If a negligent driver injured you in a collision, you can file a claim against their auto liability insurance.

If a car insurance adjuster from the at-fault party’s insurance company contacts you, you must understand that they do not work for you. They work for the insurer, and their job is to look for reasons to reduce or deny your settlement. When communicating with them, the following tips can help you protect your claim for compensation:

• Be polite and stay calm: Do not become angry or argumentative with the insurance adjuster. Stay calm, and do not allow them to pressure you into answering questions, saying, or doing something you are uncomfortable with doing.
• Provide only basic information: You can give basic details, such as your contact information and the date, time, and location of the collision, but do not go into detail about the accident or speculate on its cause or who was at fault.
• Do not admit fault: Do not accidentally say something that could be considered an admission of fault. For example, do not apologize for your actions or make statements like, “I just didn’t see the other car.”
• Do not discuss your injuries: Do not provide details about your injuries, medical treatment, treatment plan, or prognosis.
• Do not agree to give a recorded statement: Do not let the adjuster pressure you into giving a recorded statement that the insurance company could use against you.
• Do not accept an initial settlement offer: The car insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into accepting an initial offer, which may be less than you deserve. Do not accept or sign any paperwork without consulting your lawyer.

If you rush into an agreement before fully understanding the scope of your injuries and financial losses, you could end up with a settlement that leaves you paying out of pocket down the line. Be ready to negotiate or to walk away and take legal action when necessary.

Keep Records Proving Your Injuries and Losses

You can seek personal injury compensation to pay for medical treatment and other losses stemming from your car accident. Maintaining the following records can help prove you suffered an injury and establish your right to recover damages:

• Medical treatment: If you have not done so already, seek medical treatment for crash injuries. Follow your doctor’s orders, attend follow-up appointments, and save all your healthcare bills and records. You can pursue current and future treatment costs, including hospital and doctor fees, physical therapy, and long-term nursing.
• Vehicle repairs: Save estimates, bills, and receipts related to your vehicle’s damages. You can recover repair costs or seek your car’s fair market value if it is unfixable.
• Accident-related expenses: Track any and all accident-related expenses, including medical travel costs, household services, and medically necessary home and vehicle modifications. You may be able to recoup the cost of these miscellaneous expenses.
• Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering: You can pursue non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Keep a daily diary detailing your physical pain, mental and emotional state, and ways you notice your injury interfering with your day-to-day activities and quality of life.

You should also document communications with car insurance adjusters and other representatives from the insurance company, including opposing legal counsel. Record the dates and times of phone calls, take notes, save emails, and make copies of case-related paperwork.

Understand the Available Insurance Coverage

The amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party carries can affect your insurance claim. Auto insurance requirements for California and Idaho are as follows:

California Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

According to the California Department of Insurance, auto insurance minimums increased on Jan. 1, 2025. Motorists must now carry at least the following:

• $30,000/$60,000 in bodily injury liability per person/accident (up from$15,000/$30,000)
• $15,000 in property damage liability (up from $5,000)

As drivers’ policies expire, they must renew them with these amounts.

Idaho Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

According to the Idaho Department of Insurance, drivers must have a minimum of the following:

• $25,000/$50,000 in bodily injury liability per person/accident
• $15,000 in property damage liability

You can seek an insurance settlement up to the liable driver’s policy limits. If your damages exceed the available auto insurance coverage, an attorney with our law firm can help you explore other options for securing damages, including filing a lawsuit.

Consider Consulting With a Car Accident Lawyer About Your Rights

It can benefit you to consult a car accident attorney who can tell you more about your rights and legal options. A lawyer can manage the details of your case, communicate with insurance adjusters and involved parties on your behalf, and aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation.

Do Not Wait Too Long to Take Action

Insurance policy deadlines can be short, so you should file claims immediately. If you must take legal action with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you must do so within your state’s statute of limitations.

In California, CCP § 335.1 allows two years to file a lawsuit. You also have two years to file suit in Idaho, according to Idaho Statutes § 5-219. If the deadline expires, the court will likely bar your case.

Contact Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers About Your Motor Vehicle Accident Claim

Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers is on a mission to help people who have suffered personal injuries access the highest level of legal representation, medical treatment, and financial compensation.

If a negligent driver hurt you or someone you love, let our car accident lawyers serving California and Idaho handle the car insurance adjusters and fight for the money you need to heal. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. We take cases on contingency.