After a car accident, you will likely receive a call from the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster. They may seem friendly and concerned, but it is crucial to remember their primary job: to protect the insurance company’s bottom line by paying out as little as possible on your claim.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who use specific tactics to gather information that can be used against you and to pressure you into accepting a quick, lowball settlement. Recognizing these tactics is the first step in protecting your rights.
If you are dealing with an insurance company after a serious crash in Florida, you don’t have to face them alone. An experienced attorney can handle all communications and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Learn more on our mainFlorida Car Accident Lawyer page.
Understanding the Adjuster’s Playbook: The First 72 Hours
Insurance companies move quickly after an accident because they know victims are vulnerable. Here’s the typical timeline:
Within 6-24 Hours:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance gets the police report
- An adjuster is assigned to your case
- You receive your first phone call (often while still in pain/shock)
Within 24-48 Hours:
- They may visit you at home or in the hospital
- They’ll make the recorded statement request
- They may present a settlement offer if injuries seem “minor”
Within 1 Week:
- They’ll request medical authorizations
- They’ll ask for a second or third statement if you declined the first
- They begin investigating your social media accounts
Why You’re Vulnerable During This Window:
- You’re in pain and may be on medication
- You haven’t consulted an attorney yet
- You don’t know the full extent of your injuries
- Bills are starting to arrive, creating financial pressure
- You may feel guilty or confused about the accident
What to Do: Contact an attorney within 24-48 hours of your accident — before the adjuster’s first call.
Tactic #1: The “Friendly” Request for a Recorded Statement
This is one of the most common and dangerous tactics. The adjuster will call you, express sympathy, and ask if you’d be willing to provide a “brief recorded statement to get your side of the story.”
- The Trap: They are not trying to help you. They are trained to ask leading questions designed to get you to downplay your injuries (“You’re feeling a bit better today, right?”), admit partial fault (“You were in a hurry, weren’t you?”), or make inconsistent statements that can be used to discredit you later.
- What to Do:Politely decline to give a recorded statement. You are under no legal obligation to do so. You can simply say, “I am not comfortable giving a recorded statement at this time. I will be seeking legal counsel.”
Tactic #2: The Quick, Low Settlement Offer
Within days or weeks of the accident, the adjuster may offer you a check. It might even seem like a reasonable amount at first, especially when medical bills are starting to arrive.
- The Trap: This is almost always a lowball offer that does not account for the full, long-term cost of your injuries. It won’t cover future medical treatments, physical therapy, lost wages if you can’t work for an extended period, or your full pain and suffering. Once you accept this offer and sign a release, you lose the right to seek any further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be much more severe.
- What to Do:Never accept a settlement offer without speaking to an attorney. You have no way of knowing the true value of your claim until you have completed your medical treatment and the full extent of your damages is understood.
Tactic #3: The Broad Medical Authorization Request
The adjuster will ask you to sign a medical authorization form so they can “verify your injuries.” The form they send is often intentionally broad and vague.
- The Trap: Signing a broad authorization gives the insurance company the right to dig through your entire medical history, looking for pre-existing conditions or old injuries they can use to argue that your current pain is not from the accident.
- What to Do:Do not sign any medical authorization forms from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Your attorney will provide them with only the relevant medical records related to the injuries sustained in the crash.
Tactic #4: The Delay and Deny Game
If you don’t accept their low offer, some adjusters will switch tactics. They might delay returning your calls, claim they are waiting on paperwork, or repeatedly ask for information you’ve already sent.
- The Trap: This tactic is designed to frustrate you. They hope that as your financial pressure mounts, you will become desperate and willing to accept any offer they make just to be done with the process. In some cases, they may even hope you miss the Florida statute of limitations (link to FAQ anchor) for filing a lawsuit.
- What to Do: Keep records of your communications. If you feel you are being ignored or unfairly delayed, it is a clear sign that you need an attorney to take over and force them to act.
Tactic #5: Discouraging You from Hiring an Attorney
Adjusters may say things like, “Hiring a lawyer will just complicate things and take money out of your pocket,” or “We can settle this fairly between us.”
- The Trap: They know that studies consistently show that accident victims who are represented by experienced legal counsel recover significantly more compensation than those who are not. They want to negotiate with you directly because they have all the power and experience in that situation.
- What to Do: Recognize this for what it is: a self-serving tactic. Hiring an experienced attorney is the single most important step you can take to level the playing field.
Tactic #6: Monitoring Your Social Media
One tactic that catches many victims off guard: insurance adjusters and investigators actively monitor your social media accounts.
What They’re Looking For:
- Photos of you smiling or at social events (They’ll claim you’re not really in pain)
- Check-ins at gyms, restaurants or vacation spots (They’ll argue you’re not disabled)
- Posts about activities (Even “I managed to take a short walk today” can be twisted)
- Comments about the case or settlement offers
- Any inconsistency with your injury claims
Real Example Scenarios:
- You claim severe back pain, but there’s a photo of you standing at a family gathering → “If they can stand for a party, they can work”
- You post about sleeping poorly due to pain → “They’re exaggerating their injuries for sympathy”
- You’re tagged in someone else’s photo at a restaurant → “They’re well enough to go out to eat”
What to Do:
- Set all social media accounts to private immediately
- Don’t post anything about your accident, injuries or daily activities
- Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know
- Ask friends and family not to tag you in posts
- Better yet: take a complete social media break until your case is resolved
Tactic #7: The So-Called “Independent” Medical Examination (IME)
If your injuries are serious, the insurance company may request that you submit to an Independent Medical Examination (IME).
What They Say: “We just need an independent doctor to verify your injuries.”
The Reality:
- The doctor is paid by the insurance company
- These doctors frequently minimize injuries or claim they’re pre-existing
- The “exam” is often rushed (15-20 minutes) and superficial
- The report will almost certainly favor the insurance company
What to Do:
- Never agree to an IME without consulting your attorney first
- Your lawyer can negotiate the terms (which doctor, what’s examined, who’s present)
- In Florida, you may be contractually required to attend an IME under certain policies, but your attorney can protect you
- Bring a witness or recording device if permitted by your attorney
- Be honest but don’t volunteer information beyond what’s asked
As a Florida personal injury attorney, Lisa Levine accompanies her clients when they have an IME and records everything to ensure they have a thorough and accurate account of the exam.
How to Recognize and Respond to These Tactics
Red Flag Phrases to Watch For
Insurance adjusters use specific language designed to sound helpful while working against you. Listen for these phrases:
When They Want a Statement:
- “This is just a formality so we can process your claim faster.”
- “I just need your version of what happened for our records.”
- “Don’t you want to tell your side of the story?”
When They Make a Low Offer:
- “This is our final offer — take it or leave it.” (It’s almost never final)
- “Most people with injuries like yours settle for about this amount.”
- “If you hire a lawyer, attorney fees will eat up most of your settlement.”
When They Want Medical Records:
- “We just need to verify the treatment is related to the accident.”
- “This is standard procedure — everyone signs this.”
- “Don’t you want us to pay your bills?”
When They’re Delaying:
- “We’re still investigating the accident.” (After weeks of silence)
- “We need more documentation.” (After you’ve sent everything)
- “Your claim is being reviewed by our legal department.”
What to Say When the Adjuster Calls (Word-for-Word Responses)
You can’t avoid the initial contact, but you can protect yourself with prepared responses:
If They Ask for a Recorded Statement:
“I’m not comfortable giving a recorded statement at this time. I will consult with an attorney and have them contact you if appropriate.”
If They Ask About Your Injuries:
“I’m still receiving medical treatment and don’t have a complete understanding of my injuries yet. Please contact my attorney.”
If They Make a Settlement Offer:
“I need time to understand the full extent of my damages. I will not be making any settlement decisions at this time.”
If They Ask You to Sign Medical Authorizations:
“I will not sign any authorizations without reviewing them with my attorney first.”
If They Pressure You (“This offer expires today!”):
“I understand. I still need to consult with an attorney before making any decisions.”
If They Say Lawyers Will Take Your Money:
“That’s for me to decide. Please direct all future communications to my attorney.”Pro Tip: You don’t have to be rude, but you must be firm. Repeat these phrases as many times as necessary.
The Solution: An Experienced Attorney on Your Side
Having a skilled car accident lawyer like Lisa Levine completely changes the dynamic. As a personal injury attorney with 40 years of experience, she knows these tactics from the inside out and can effectively counter them.
When you hire our firm, we:
- Take over all communications with the insurance company immediately.
- Protect you from giving statements or signing forms that could hurt your case.
- Independently investigate your accident and build a claim based on evidence, not adjuster opinions.
- Fight for the maximum compensation you are truly owed.
Don’t Face the Insurance Adjuster Alone
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Florida, protect yourself. Let us handle the insurance company while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Lisa S. Levine, P.A. today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story and explain how we can fight for your rights.
Call Toll-Free: (855) 551-8060
Or learn more on our main Florida Car Accident Lawyer page.