Fresno has over 500,000 people living in the city; so it’s no surprise that it regularly ranks among the top cities in California for car crashes. The hotspots for accidents in this city are all the busy areas like Shaw Avenue, Blackstone Avenue, and the downtown grid. With that level of congestion, it’s no surprise that insurance claims come into play often.
But when the insurance company contacts you after a crash, their priority isn’t to help you but to protect their parent company. And the person they send, called an insurance adjuster, is trained to do exactly that.
So, how do you handle that call when it comes? Before anything, it’s always a good idea to talk to a Fresno injury lawyer before saying anything to the insurance adjuster. They can help protect your rights and make sure you don’t end up with less than what is sufficient to cover your losses.Â
Never Admit Fault
After a car accident, it’s really important not to admit fault, even if you think you might be responsible. Admitting fault too soon can hurt your case with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that could lower the amount they’ll pay out.Â
Any admission of fault could be used against you later, even if other factors were involved, like the other driver speeding or not paying attention.
Instead of admitting fault, stick to the facts. You can talk about what happened without placing blame, just describe the situation as you saw it. This is the best way to actually protect your rights. Plus, it gives the insurance company a chance to look at all the details before deciding who’s responsible.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
After an accident, the insurance company might ask for a recorded statement. This is when they want you to explain what happened. It seems like a simple request, but it can actually hurt your case.Â
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that could make you accidentally admit fault, even if you didn’t mean to. They could ask very implicating questions in a bid to get you to slip up. The way you answer might make it sound like you’re partially to blame.
By giving a recorded statement too soon, you might also agree to a lower settlement than you deserve. Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible, so they might rush you into agreeing to a quick settlement.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
A common tactic adjusters use is to offer you a fast settlement, sometimes within days. At first glance, it might seem fair. But once you accept a settlement, that’s it. You can’t go back and ask for more if your injuries get worse or your medical bills climb.
Most initial offers are deliberately low. They’re banking on the fact that you’re stressed and just want to move on. But injuries like back strain, nerve damage, or soft tissue trauma can take weeks or months to fully surface. What might feel like a good enough offer now could leave you paying out of pocket later. Always have a legal expert review any offer before signing anything.Â
Get Legal Help Early
Dealing with an insurance adjuster is more of a negotiation, and the other side has professional training and legal resources to protect their interests. That’s why it’s smart to get someone on your side from the beginning.
A personal injury lawyer knows how to handle these conversations, what not to say, and how to ensure you don’t get short-changed. They can step in, speak on your behalf, and handle the paperwork and strategy while you focus on recovering.
In Fresno, where crash rates are high and insurance companies are used to handling thousands of claims, having an advocate who knows the local scene, hospitals, road layouts, and even common accident patterns can make a major difference in your outcome.
