Why You Shouldn’t Trust an Insurance Adjuster after a Car Accident in NY

Being hurt in a car accident can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. In addition to coping with physical pain and stress, you may have to figure out how to deal with an insurance adjuster asking for a statement and other information. 



Although they may sound empathetic and concerned about your well-being, it’s important to remember that their primary goal is to minimize how much the insurance company pays on your claim. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our Staten Island car accident lawyers are well-versed in their tactics. Here, we explain why you shouldn’t trust adjusters and how to protect your rights after a crash. 

Quick Facts

• Insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their priority is to help insurance companies limit payouts and deny claims.
• Avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster or giving a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first.
• Insurance companies often use New York’s comparative negligence laws to shift blame and minimize payouts.
• Our car accident attorneys  handle hundreds of cases each year and have recovered more than $500 million for clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the greater NYC area.  

The Role of Insurance Adjusters

An insurance adjuster's job is to investigate the accident, assess the damages, and determine how much the insurance company should pay out on your claim. This may sound straightforward, but adjusters work for the insurance company and are expected to do whatever they can to minimize payouts. That doesn't make adjusters bad people. It just means their goals are fundamentally different from yours. Understanding the role they play can help protect your car accident claim. 

Risks of Trusting an Insurance Adjuster

While an adjuster may seem friendly and compassionate, their kindness can be a tactic to make you feel comfortable enough to share information that hurts your case. They are trained professionals who handle car accident claims every day, while most injury victims are facing the aftermath of a crash for the first time. It’s important to keep this in mind when dealing with an insurance adjuster after a car accident.

Common Tactics They Use to Undervalue Your Claim

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you are partially at fault, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of liability. Insurance adjusters know this, and try to use it to their advantage to reduce your car accident settlement. 

Insurance adjusters may:

• Request a recorded statement soon after the crash. They often ask leading questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries.
• Ask you to sign a release for your medical records. Do not sign this release or anything else without speaking to a lawyer first. It often gives insurers broad permission to comb  through your entire medical history and claim your injury or symptoms are due to a preexisting condition.
• Drag out the claims process while your medical bills and expenses pile up so you’ll accept less than you deserve.
• Conduct surveillance and monitor your social media for photos or posts that make it look like your injury isn’t as severe as you claim. 

Pressure You to Accept a Quick Settlement

Insurance adjusters often move quickly to offer a settlement within days or weeks of a car accident. While this may seem considerate, it’s really a strategy to pay as little as possible on your claim. Typically, once you accept a car accident settlement, you forfeit your right to recover additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or you require additional treatment.  

Never accept the first settlement offer before speaking to an attorney. Our experienced Staten Island car accident lawyers can evaluate your case at no cost and determine the true value of your current and future damages. 

How to Protect Yourself after a Car Accident in NY

Navigating insurance claims after a car accident is daunting, especially when you’re injured and focused on your recovery. Taking these steps can help protect your rights and interests. 

Watch What You Say

You are not obligated to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. The best thing to do is to seek legal guidance first. If you speak to any insurance company representative, keep the conversation brief and factual.

Do not say “I’m sorry,” or downplay your injuries. Never admit fault, even if you think you might have contributed to the crash. You should also avoid discussing your injuries. Anything you say can be used to dispute your car accident claim later. It's okay to provide basic facts like your name, the date, time, and location of the accident. Otherwise, tell them your car accident attorney will be in touch. 

Watch What You Do

It’s also vital to adhere to your doctor’s orders and follow through with treatment. An insurance adjuster can take gaps in treatment or a seemingly innocent task like unloading groceries and use it to undermine your credibility. Our personal injury lawyers recommend that you deactivate your social media accounts and avoid posting until your car accident claim is resolved. 

Seek Legal Help

Dealing with an insurance adjuster while managing physical and emotional pain is overwhelming. The sooner you seek the advice of an attorney, the better. Our experienced team can investigate, preserve and gather evidence, and handle all communications and negotiations with insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing. 



Our car accident lawyers know how to accurately value your claim and build your case on a solid foundation of evidence and compelling legal arguments. We’re adept at countering their tactics and fighting for the fair compensation you need to protect your health and financial future. 

Why choose our Staten Island Car Accident Lawyers? 

At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, we know that being hurt in a car accident can turn your world upside down. We provide compassionate, tenacious advocacy you can trust.

Our Staten Island roots span more than five decades, and our personal injury law firm has built a longstanding reputation for relentless advocacy and proven results. Our dedication to serving our neighbors throughout the greater New York City area is reflected in our client testimonials.

Our personal injury lawyers have recovered more than $500 million for clients and handle hundreds of cases each year. Our team takes on powerful insurance companies with compassion, patience, and strategy so your family can focus on healing. We ensure your voice is heard and you feel supported throughout the process. 

Find a Car Accident Lawyer Near You in Staten Island

If you’re not sure how to deal with an insurance adjuster after a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law can take the burden off your shoulders. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with a car accident attorney near you in Staten Island, NY, contact us or call 718-987-8444.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dealing with Insurance Adjusters 

What does an insurance adjuster do after a car accident?

They investigate the crash, review evidence like police reports and medical records, and assess your claim to determine the lowest possible payout for the insurance company. In some cases, they may arrive at the scene of the accident shortly after it happens, especially in cases involving large commercial trucks.

What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me?

Be polite but firmly decline to provide a recorded statement. Do not sign any documents or accept a settlement without consulting a Staten Island car accident attorney first.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and won’t owe us anything unless your car accident claim is successful. Attorney fees and other costs are deducted from any settlement or award you receive.