Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident

How quickly do insurance adjusters reach out after an accident?

Larry Littleton explained that the timing of insurance adjusters contacting victims varies. In some cases, adjusters have even appeared at accident scenes with a check in hand, offering quick settlements of just a few hundred dollars in exchange for signing a release. While this may seem helpful, these early offers are often designed to limit compensation. Insurance companies act quickly because they control the money and want to settle claims before victims fully understand their injuries.

Why do property damage claims matter in injury cases?

According to Larry Littleton, property damage is often tied directly to bodily injury claims. Insurance adjusters may use information gathered during property damage discussions to argue against liability in injury cases. For this reason, his firm handles both property and injury claims, ensuring that insurance companies cannot exploit details from vehicle repair discussions to reduce injury settlements.

Are insurance companies really “on your side”?

Larry Littleton made it clear that insurance companies are not in the business of helping accident victims. While adjusters may sound friendly and supportive, their loyalty is to the company’s bottom line. Even when dealing with a policyholder’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, the tone changes—victims must suddenly prove their case as though they were the ones at fault. The priority for insurers is always reducing payouts, not restoring victims to their pre-accident condition.

What tactics do insurance adjusters use against accident victims?

Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly for as little money as possible. Larry Littleton shared that one of their primary strategies is to request recorded statements. During these statements, adjusters ask detailed questions about liability, medical history, and prior injuries. Innocent answers—such as saying “I didn’t see the vehicle until the last second”—can be twisted into arguments that the victim was not paying attention. Adjusters also frame conversations as though they want to “make things right,” but their true goal is to uncover reasons to deny or reduce claims.

Should accident victims speak with an adjuster before hiring a lawyer?

Larry Littleton strongly advised against speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. At the accident scene, the only person victims should provide information to is the police officer. Most injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, are not immediately apparent, and statements made too early can later be used against the victim. By contacting a lawyer first, individuals can avoid common mistakes and ensure their rights are protected from the start.

Have insurance company tactics changed over time?

Drawing from more than four decades of experience, Larry Littleton explained that insurance companies have become far more aggressive. Legislative changes in Texas have weakened oversight and tilted the system in favor of insurers. Today, companies use algorithms to evaluate claims and decide whether to settle or litigate based purely on cost, not fairness. This shift makes it harder for victims to get fair compensation without legal representation.

How do adjusters behave once a lawyer is involved?

Larry Littleton noted that once an attorney is on the case, the adjuster’s approach changes dramatically. The relationship becomes more professional, with less pressure and fewer questionable tactics. While not all adjusters are dishonest, their job is to minimize payouts. Having a lawyer ensures that negotiations remain fair and that insurance companies cannot exploit victims unfamiliar with the process.

What risks come with giving a recorded statement or signing paperwork?

Anything a victim says or signs can later be used as evidence in litigation. Larry Littleton explained that people often misremember details, and insurance companies look for inconsistencies to attack credibility. For example, if a driver confuses directions, speed limits, or accident details, insurers may argue the entire testimony is unreliable. This is why legal guidance before providing statements is essential—once damaging information is on record, it can severely weaken a claim.

What are the biggest misconceptions about insurance adjusters?

One of the most common misconceptions, Larry Littleton emphasized, is that adjusters are eager to hand out settlements. In reality, adjusters are not sitting on piles of cash waiting to pay claims. Another myth is that minor injuries will result in large payouts, when juries and insurers often view such cases with skepticism. Media portrayals of lawyers and insurance companies only add to these misconceptions. The truth is that victims must be proactive, prepared, and represented if they want a fair outcome.