The tactics insurance adjusters use after a crash and how to protect yourself

After a car accident, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance adjuster within days, sometimes hours. They may sound friendly, but their goal isn’t to help you. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not for you, and their main objective is to pay as little as possible. Knowing how they operate can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Common insurance adjuster tactics

Insurance companies rely on strategies that seem harmless but are designed to weaken your claim. Some of the most common include:

• Offering a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries
 • Asking for recorded statements that can be used against you later
 • Delaying responses to pressure you into accepting less money
 • Arguing that your injuries were preexisting or unrelated to the accident
 • Misinterpreting Louisiana’s comparative fault law to make you seem more responsible than you are

Why these tactics work

Many accident victims are in pain, stressed, and unsure of what comes next. Insurance companies take advantage of that uncertainty. A fast settlement offer may sound tempting, especially if medical bills are piling up, but once you accept, you give up your right to pursue more compensation later.

How to protect yourself

If you get a call from an insurance adjuster, stay polite but cautious. Do not give a recorded statement, do not sign anything, and avoid discussing your injuries until you’ve seen a doctor and spoken with a lawyer.

At Branch Law, we deal with insurance companies every day. We know their playbook and how to shut down tactics that hurt clients. Our attorneys handle all communication with insurers so you can focus on recovery while we protect your rights.

Local insight that makes a difference

Insurance adjusters handling Louisiana claims often work from out-of-state offices and don’t understand how local traffic conditions, police reporting practices, or weather patterns affect cases. Our firm’s experience across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Slidell, and Harvey gives us a clear advantage when negotiating on your behalf.

Contact Branch Law today for a free consultation. Our team is here to help you after a car accident in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Harvey, or Slidell. Call (504) 399-1449 or contact us online at www.betonbranch.com/contact to get started.