Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side after a car crash. Here are some of the tactics that they use to minimize your payout, and how we can help.
When you’ve been in a car accident, one of the first phone calls you’ll get is from an insurance adjuster. They might sound friendly, understanding, and eager to “help you get your claim processed quickly.” But make no mistake — their job is not to help you. Their goal is to protect the insurance company’s profits, and that often means minimizing or denying your claim altogether.
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1. “We Just Need a Quick Statement” Means “We’re Looking for Mistakes”
Insurance adjusters often contact you within hours or days of your crash, asking for a “quick recorded statement.” It sounds routine, but what they’re really doing is building a defense against your claim.
They might ask:
- “When did you first start feeling pain?”
- “Are you sure you didn’t see the other driver coming?”
- “How fast were you going?”
Every word is analyzed to shift partial blame onto you or to downplay your injuries. Even something as innocent as saying, “I’m okay,” can be twisted into evidence that your injuries weren’t serious.
What to do: You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Always speak with an attorney first. A qualified St. Louis car accident lawyer can communicate on your behalf and make sure your rights are protected.
2. “We Accept Responsibility” Doesn’t Mean They’ll Pay Fairly
An adjuster might tell you they “accept liability” or that their driver was “at fault.” That can sound reassuring — until you see their offer.
What they rarely explain is that accepting fault doesn’t mean paying full value. Insurance companies often accept basic liability but fight hard over damages, especially when it comes to:
- Future medical care
- Lost earning potential
- Residual bodily injury or chronic pain
- Emotional distress or trauma
Their first offer might only cover emergency room bills or vehicle repairs — not the long-term costs of your recovery.
What to do: Never accept a settlement until your medical treatment is complete and you’ve spoken with an attorney. Once you sign a release, you cannot reopen your claim, even if new symptoms appear later.
3. “You Don’t Need a Lawyer — We Can Handle This Directly”
This is one of the most common lines adjusters use to save their company money. They might even say hiring a lawyer will “just reduce your payout.”
In reality, insurance companies are aware that accident victims with legal representation typically receive significantly higher settlements than those who represent themselves. That’s why they want to settle before you understand the full value of your claim.
What to do: A free consultation with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer costs you nothing. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, you don’t pay unless we recover money for you. Having a lawyer levels the playing field — and sends a message that you won’t be pressured into a lowball offer.
4. “Your Injuries Don’t Look That Serious”
Adjusters are trained to minimize the cost of medical claims. They may suggest that your pain “doesn’t sound bad,” that your medical visits were “too frequent,” or that your injuries were “pre-existing.”
But many crash-related injuries — like whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage — take days or weeks to develop fully. When you settle early, you risk paying future medical expenses out of pocket.
What to do: Always seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Follow all recommended treatment and document every appointment. This medical record helps demonstrate the full extent of your injuries, including any residual or chronic conditions.
5. “This Is Our Final Offer” Usually Isn’t
Another favorite adjuster tactic is pretending that their offer is non-negotiable. They’ll use pressure phrases like:
- “This is the most we can pay.”
- “If you don’t accept, the file will be closed.”
- “You’ll lose your chance for any money.”
These are negotiation tactics, not legal facts. In most cases, they have more authority than they claim — or their supervisor does. Their goal is to make you doubt the strength of your claim and accept less than you deserve.
What to do: Never feel rushed to accept an offer. A seasoned attorney can evaluate whether the amount reflects your actual losses — including pain, suffering, and long-term impact.
6. “We’ll Take Care of Everything” Doesn’t Include Your Best Interests
After a crash, you’re overwhelmed — injuries, medical bills, missed work, and stress. Adjusters use that emotional state to position themselves as your “helper.”
They might offer to arrange repairs, medical payments, or rental cars, making you believe they’re on your side. But every service they provide is strategically designed to control the process — and the payout. Their goal is to close your claim quickly, efficiently, and permanently.
What to do: Let your lawyer coordinate with insurers, medical providers, and repair shops. This keeps the insurance company from gathering information they can later use against you.
7. “You’re in Good Hands” — Until You’re Not
Insurance companies spend millions on advertising to build trust. But once you file a claim, their priorities shift. Their adjusters are not your friends — they are trained negotiators following strict company protocols to reduce payouts. Behind every friendly tone is a strategy to protect the company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
What to do: Protect yourself by working with a local St. Louis law firm that understands Missouri’s insurance laws and court systems. Local representation ensures you get personal attention — not a case number passed off to an out-of-state corporation.
Protecting Your Claim After a Missouri Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car crash in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, take these steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention and follow up on all prescribed treatments.
- Do not give recorded statements or sign documents without legal advice.
- Document everything — medical visits, missed work, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Contact a trusted local attorney before speaking further with the insurer.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we help accident victims understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation they deserve.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let an insurance adjuster decide what your injuries are worth. Let a local firm that’s been protecting St. Louis drivers for over 25 years stand up for you. Call 314-361-4242, start your free case review, or chat now for help. We’re available 24/7 — and you never pay unless we win.
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