Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters in Personal Injury Claims

You’ve just been in an accident. You’re recovering from injuries, juggling doctor’s visits, maybe missing time from work—and then the phone rings. It’s someone from the insurance company. They say they’re calling about your claim, and they have a few questions.

That person is likely an insurance adjuster—and while they may sound helpful, they work for the insurer, not for you.

Whether you’re an individual, a parent, or a business owner dealing with an injury claim, it’s essential to understand how adjusters operate, what their goals are, and how to protect your rights.

Who Are Insurance Adjusters, and Why Are They Calling You?

Most people don’t hear the term insurance adjuster until they’re involved in an accident. These professionals are assigned by insurance companies to handle and evaluate injury or property damage claims.

There are three common types:

• Company adjusters – employees of the insurer

• Independent adjusters – hired contractors representing the insurer

• Public adjusters – hired by policyholders (though rare in personal injury cases)

No matter their title, if they weren’t hired by you, their loyalty lies with the insurance company.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Actually Do?

Insurance adjusters have a broad and detailed job that includes:

• Reviewing police reports and accident details

• Inspecting vehicle or property damage

• Analyzing your medical records and treatment timeline

• Interviewing you, witnesses, and medical providers

• Estimating the claim value

• Recommending a settlement offer, often below what the claim may be worth

For businesses, this process may also include investigating claims involving customer injuries on-site or employee accidents, adding another layer of complexity.

What’s Their Real Objective?

Insurance adjusters aren’t just fact-finders—they’re trained negotiators working to protect the insurer’s bottom line. Their ultimate goal is to settle your claim quickly and for as little money as possible.

Here’s how they might do that:

• Minimizing the seriousness of your injuries

• Arguing that certain treatments weren’t necessary

• Suggesting shared fault or delayed care

• Making early, low settlement offers to catch you off guard

• Using silence or delay tactics to create pressure

These practices are standard across the industry and are aimed at controlling payouts and limiting liability.

What Should You Do When an Adjuster Reaches Out?

When you get that call—whether it’s for a car crash, slip-and-fall, or workplace injury—keep these principles in mind:

• Stay courteous but cautious

• Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer

• Stick to basic facts—never guess or speculate

• Do not admit fault or downplay your condition

• Politely decline discussing your treatment plan in detail

Tip: Consider preparing a written checklist of what to say—and what not to say—when speaking to an insurance adjuster.

Common Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Claim

Avoid these frequent missteps:

• Accepting the first settlement offer — It’s often far below your actual damages

• Missing or skipping medical treatments — Weakens the credibility of your injury

• Signing blanket medical authorizations — Gives adjusters access to your entire medical history

• Posting on social media — Anything you share could be used against your case

• Assuming the adjuster is “just gathering information” — They’re also shaping the narrative

For businesses, responding too quickly without proper documentation or counsel can lead to underpaid claims or denied liability.

How to Protect Yourself

Whether you're managing a personal injury claim or overseeing a business-related one:

• Document everything—photos, conversations, receipts, medical records

• Avoid informal negotiations

• Don’t sign anything without legal review

• Consult with a personal injury attorney early—before the insurer takes the lead

Being proactive is the best defense when navigating insurance claims.

Attorney vs. Adjuster: Who Works for You?

To put it plainly:

A qualified attorney will negotiate on your behalf, gather expert evaluations, and ensure your claim includes all damages—economic and non-economic.

Be Informed, Be Protected

Dealing with an insurance adjuster might seem routine, but it’s a strategic process designed to limit how much you receive. The more informed you are, the more confidently you can navigate the process—and avoid settling for less than you deserve.

At Harr Law, we help clients stand up to insurance tactics and recover what they’re entitled to, with dignity and support. Whether you’re an individual injured in an accident or a business managing liability exposure, our team is here to protect your rights every step of the way.

Contact Harr Law today to schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation.