How to Handle Insurance Adjusters After a San Diego Car Crash

By Eugene Bruno on June 21, 2025

After a car accident in San Diego, it’s natural to feel shaken, confused, and overwhelmed. One of the first calls you can expect to receive is from an insurance adjuster—possibly sounding friendly, helpful, and eager to “get your claim started.” But make no mistake: that adjuster works for the insurance company, not you.

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how mistakes made during these early conversations can cost victims thousands of dollars—or even their entire claim.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to handle insurance adjusters after a crash, how to avoid common pitfalls, and when to involve a San Diego personal injury lawyer.

Understanding the Role of an Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are hired to settle claims for as little money as they can get away with. Their job isn’t to ensure you’re treated fairly or receive what you’re owed. It’s to protect their company’s bottom line.

That’s why knowing what to say—and what not to say—is critical when dealing with insurance after a car accident in California.

Common Tactics Used by Adjusters

Adjusters may use subtle tactics to weaken your claim or pressure you into accepting a low offer. Here are some of the most common strategies we’ve seen used in California car crash settlement negotiations:

Requesting a Recorded Statement

One of the first things an adjuster might ask is if they could get a quick recorded statement. It may seem like a standard procedure, but recorded statement risks are real. Anything you say—especially if you’re flustered, in pain, or unclear—can later be used to dispute your injuries or contradict other evidence.

Tip: You are not required to provide a recorded statement without legal representation. Politely decline and say you’ll have your attorney follow up.

Downplaying Your Injuries

An adjuster might suggest that your injuries “don’t sound too serious” or imply that you’re fine because you didn’t go to the ER. This is meant to pressure you into accepting a low settlement amount before fully understanding your medical situation.

Offering a Quick Settlement

Insurers know you may be dealing with medical bills, vehicle damage, and time off work. That’s why they often make fast, lowball offers before you’ve had a chance to consult with a doctor or lawyer. Accepting early could mean signing away your right to future compensation, even if your injuries worsen or complications arise.

Suggesting You Don’t Need a Lawyer

If an adjuster tells you that you’ll get the same result without a lawyer, take that as a red flag. This tactic is designed to keep you from getting someone who knows how to maximize your insurance settlement amount in California.

What to Do When an Adjuster Calls

Here are actionable steps you should take the moment an adjuster contacts you:

Remain Calm and Polite

It’s okay to speak to the adjuster briefly. Be courteous but cautious. Do not argue or volunteer details.

Limit What You Say

Only confirm basic facts such as:

• Your name
• Date and location of the accident
• Contact info

Avoid discussing:

• How the accident happened
• The severity of your injuries
• Treatment details
• Your medical history

Don’t Admit Fault

Even statements like “I didn’t see the car coming” can be twisted into an admission of guilt. Fault determination is a legal matter and should be handled by professionals.

Refuse to Provide a Recorded Statement

You are not legally obligated to record your version of events without consulting an attorney. This applies whether you’re speaking to your own insurer or that of the other driver.

Document All Communications

Keep detailed records of every phone call, email, and message from insurers. Include names, dates, and summaries of what was discussed.

Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

Avoid the following actions to protect your claim:

• Posting about the accident on social media: These posts can be taken out of context and used to downplay your injuries.
• Missing doctor appointments: Gaps in treatment can be used to suggest you’re not seriously hurt.
• Accepting fault prematurely: Let the facts speak through police reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations.
• Signing a settlement agreement without legal review: Once signed, it’s nearly impossible to go back for more compensation—even if your condition worsens.

Contacting a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer

You should consider calling a personal injury attorney in San Diego immediately if:

• You’ve suffered serious or long-term injuries
• Fault is being disputed
• The insurance company is delaying or lowballing your claim
• You’re being asked to give a recorded statement
• You’re unsure about the value of your case

At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we handle all communications with insurance companies so our clients don’t have to. With over 85 years of combined experience and a 99.7% success rate, we know what it takes to get full compensation—not just the quick offer they want you to take.

Ways to Maximize Your Settlement

Hiring a lawyer increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Our San Diego team will:

• Investigate thoroughly: We gather police reports, witness testimony, medical records, and accident reconstructions to build a strong case.
• Value your full damages: This includes not only current bills but future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Negotiate aggressively: We know the playbook and don’t let insurers get away with lowball offers.
• Litigate when necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer what’s fair, we’re ready to fight for you in court.

Recoverable Damages in a Car Accident Settlement

Every crash is different, but common recoverable damages in California include:

• Medical bills (ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Emotional trauma

Knowing what your claim is really worth can make the difference between a token payout and true recovery.

Speak With an Experienced San Diego Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re dealing with insurance after a car accident in California, you don’t have to do it alone. Before giving any recorded statements or signing any paperwork, speak to someone who’s in your corner.

Call the San Diego car accident attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you protect your claim from the start.