Why You Should Never Rely on the Insurance Adjuster After an Auto Accident
Injured in a car accident in South Lake County, Florida? Discover why trusting the insurance adjuster can cost you — and how a local Clermont personal injury attorney can protect your rights and maximize your claim.
The Insurance Adjuster Is Not Your Friend — Here's Why
After a car accident in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, or anywhere in South Lake County, one of the first people you'll hear from is the insurance adjuster. They may seem polite, helpful, and concerned about your well-being — but make no mistake:
Their job is to protect the insurance company, not you.
As a Central Florida personal injury attorney, I’ve seen countless injury victims unknowingly damage their cases by trusting the adjuster too early in the process. Here’s why you should never rely on the insurance company to look out for your best interests — and what you should do instead.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
An adjuster is assigned by the insurance company — either yours or the at-fault driver’s — to evaluate:
How the crash happened
Who may be at fault
The extent of your injuries and damages
How much (if anything) they should pay
They will likely ask for a recorded statement, request access to your medical records, and offer a quick settlement. It may feel like they’re speeding up your claim — but they’re usually laying the groundwork to minimize what you’re paid.
5 Reasons You Should Not Trust the Insurance Adjuster
1. They’re Trained to Devalue Your Claim
Adjusters receive extensive training in how to reduce payouts — even in serious injury cases. They’ll look for ways to blame you, downplay injuries, or argue that treatment was unnecessary.
2. They’ll Use Your Words Against You
Even an innocent comment like “I feel okay” can be used to argue that you're not truly injured. Giving a recorded statement without a lawyer is one of the most common mistakes I see car crash victims in Clermont and South Lake County make.
3. They May Push You to Settle Too Soon
Many injuries (like herniated discs, soft tissue damage, or head trauma) develop or worsen over time. Settling before your condition stabilizes could leave you without enough compensation for future medical care.
4. They May Demand Full Access to Your Medical History
Be very cautious. They’re not just looking at your accident-related treatment — they’re trying to uncover pre-existing conditions to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
5. They Know You Probably Don’t Know the Law
If you’re not familiar with Florida’s injury laws, PIP limitations, or comparative fault rules, you could unintentionally forfeit part of your claim. They’re counting on it.
Florida's Modified Comparative Fault Rule Makes This Even More Critical
Since the 2023 legal changes in Florida, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may not recover anything. That gives insurance companies even more incentive to twist the facts and push blame onto you — especially if you don't have a lawyer fighting back.
A Clermont Personal Injury Attorney Levels the Playing Field
At our firm, we step between you and the insurance adjuster from day one. Here's how we protect your case:
Handle all communication with the insurance company
Make sure no statements or documents are used against you
Work with doctors to document your injuries properly
Fight for full compensation — not just what they want to offer
Litigate when necessary to force a fair outcome
We’ve helped injured drivers throughout Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Mascotte, and South Lake County recover what they truly deserve — even in tough, contested cases.
What Should You Do Instead of Talking to the Adjuster?
Politely decline to give a recorded statement
Do not sign any release or medical authorization
Consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking further
Document your injuries, treatment, and missed work carefully
Let your attorney deal directly with the insurance companies
Injured in a Crash? Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You.
The decisions you make right after an accident can make or break your case. Don’t trust an adjuster whose goal is to save their company money. Trust a local advocate who will fight for your best outcome.
- Call John Kilpatrick Law today for a free consultation.
-Serving injured clients in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, and all of South Lake County, Florida.
