Contact Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, when you need an auto accident lawyer in Queens following an accident.
You have just experienced a car accident, and now an insurance adjuster is calling to discuss your claim. This conversation can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries. Understanding how to navigate these discussions and hiring a car accident lawyer in New York are crucial for protecting your legal rights and financial future.
When dealing with insurance adjusters, you need guidance from an experienced personal injury law firm in New York that understands the tactics these professionals use. A New York car accident lawyer from Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, can provide invaluable assistance during these critical conversations. Our post explores the essential dos and don’ts when speaking with insurance adjusters.
Statistical Information About Car Accidents
Fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents increased by 25.8% from 2019 to 2022. The National Safety Council reports that there were around 5.1 million medically consulted injuries due to motor vehicle accidents in 2022. The New York City Police Department claims that there were 6,775 car accidents in April 2025, resulting in 2,825 injuries or fatalities.
This information shows that auto collisions are common and could have devastating consequences. Knowing what to do if you or a loved one is involved in an accident is beneficial when filing a personal injury claim. That includes knowing what to do and what not to do when talking to insurance adjusters.
Understanding Insurance Adjusters and Their Role
If you sustain injuries from a collision, an adjuster from the negligent party’s auto insurance company may try to contact you. Insurance companies hire insurance adjusters to investigate claims, evaluate damages, and determine settlement amounts. While they may appear friendly and helpful, their objective is to minimize their company’s financial exposure by paying as little as possible on your claim.
These professionals know how to identify weaknesses in your case and use any information you provide against you. They often contact accident victims within 24 to 72 hours after an incident, hoping to catch you before you fully understand your injuries or consult with legal counsel.
Understanding their purpose helps you remain diligent during these conversations. Remember that adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Your help comes from an experienced car accident lawyer in New York.
How To Talk to Insurance Claims Adjusters: Essential Dos
When conversing with an insurance adjuster, following certain guidelines can protect your claim and preserve your right to fair compensation. A Queens car accident lawyer often recommends these approaches to safeguard your interests.
Do Maintain a Calm Demeanor
Maintain a calm demeanor throughout all interactions. Professional, courteous communication positively reflects your credibility and strengthens your negotiation position.
Learning how to talk to insurance claims adjusters involves mastering your emotional responses during these challenging conversations. Staying composed demonstrates maturity and professionalism that work in your favor.
Do Gather the Adjuster’s Information
Write down the adjuster’s name, phone number, company, and claim number for every conversation. This documentation creates a paper trail, ensuring you know who you are dealing with throughout the process.
Also, write down the date, time, duration of calls, and content discussed. This documentation becomes valuable if disputes arise later in the claims process.
Do Provide Only Basic Personal Information
Provide basic personal information, such as your full name, address, and phone number. You are not required to discuss your work schedule, income details, or personal activities beyond what is necessary for claim processing.
Critical Don’ts To Protect Your Claim
Avoiding certain statements and actions is as important as knowing what to do when speaking with insurance adjusters.
Don’t Admit Fault
Never admit fault, even partially, regardless of what you think may have happened. Fault determination is a complex legal matter that should occur through thorough investigations by qualified professionals. Even seemingly innocent statements like “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as admissions of liability.
Don’t Speculate
Avoid speculating about what happened during the accident. Stick to facts you know with certainty, such as the incident’s date, time, and location. If you are unsure about specific details, simply state that you do not remember or are uncertain.
Don’t Discuss Your Injuries in Detail
Your injuries may evolve, and early statements about your condition could limit your compensation later. Simply state that you are receiving medical treatment and refer them to your car accident lawyer in New York.
Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers
Resist pressure to accept quick settlement offers. These initial offers are typically far below what your claim is worth. Insurance companies may hope that financial pressure will force you to accept inadequate compensation before you understand the full extent of your damages.
Common Adjuster Strategies You Should Recognize
Insurance companies employ various tactics designed to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. Any auto accident lawyer in Queens will warn you about these common tactics.
Adjusters frequently push for lowball settlements immediately after an accident, knowing you have not had time to fully assess your damages or injuries.
Another common tactic involves asking you to describe your injuries in detail or requesting access to your complete medical history. They can use this information to find pre-existing conditions or to argue that your injuries are less severe than claimed.
Many adjusters adopt an overly friendly demeanor or engage in casual conversation that appears supportive but is solely to extract damaging admissions. When other strategies fail, insurance companies may resort to deliberate delays in processing claims.
The Importance of Early Legal Consultation
With accidents in New York becoming increasingly complex, having experienced legal counsel becomes more important than ever. Professional legal representation can help shoulder the burden of communicating with insurance adjusters.
A New York car accident lawyer understands the law and knows insurance company tactics inside and out. When you seek legal advice early in the process, you can prevent making statements that could damage your claim while helping you pursue fair treatment under the law.
Consider involving legal counsel immediately after an accident, especially if you sustained significant injuries or someone disputes fault. Early intervention by an attorney can prevent many of the pitfalls that damage insurance claims.
Trust Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, With Your Insurance Adjuster Challenges
Navigating conversations with insurance adjusters requires knowledge, preparation, and often professional assistance. Understanding what to say and what to avoid can significantly impact your claim’s outcome and your financial recovery.
We at Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, have extensive experience protecting accident victims from insurance company tactics and helping them secure fair compensation. We’ll provide an understanding of your rights after a car accident and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Contact Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, today at (718) 205-1010 for professional assistance from a car accident lawyer in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident.
What Should I Do If an Insurance Adjuster Calls Me Unexpectedly?
Stay calm and ask for their name, company, and claim number. Schedule a callback after consulting with an attorney.
Can I Refuse To Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster?
Yes, you have the right to decline recorded statements. These recordings are often used against claimants later in the process.
Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer From an Insurance Adjuster?
No, initial settlement offers are typically far below fair compensation amounts. Consulting with a car accident lawyer in New York ensures you understand your claim’s true value before accepting any offers.