After an accident in California, you’ll likely get a call from the other driver’s insurance company within days. The adjuster will sound friendly and eager to help. That tone can feel reassuring when you’re in pain and stressed. But remember this: the adjuster is not on your side. Their job is to protect the insurance company’s money, which means paying you as little as possible.
During that first call, they’ll ask careful questions designed to get you to say something that hurts your claim. Even a simple comment like “I’m feeling better today” can be used to argue you weren’t badly hurt.
This guide covers five common mistakes people make when dealing with adjusters. It applies whether you’re filing a car accident claim, a motorcycle accident claim, or a dog bite claim in Orange County. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we handle these calls every day. We shield you from these tactics and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Mistake #1: Giving a Recorded Statement
Should you give a recorded statement? In almost every case, no. Adjusters call it “standard procedure,” but its real purpose is to gather material that can reduce or deny your claim. You are not required to give one, and doing so rarely helps you.
How your words can be twisted against you: Adjusters are trained to get statements that weaken your case. A polite “I’m sorry this happened” can become an admission of fault. Saying “I’m fine” to a greeting can be used to argue you weren’t hurt. Normal memory gaps after a crash can be twisted into signs of dishonesty.
What to say instead: You have the right to decline. A simple response works well: “I’m focusing on my medical treatment and will not be providing a recorded statement.” From there, let your attorney handle every conversation. Once you hire us, a single offhand comment can no longer be used against you.
Mistake #2: Signing a Blanket Medical Authorization Form
Soon after that first call, expect a stack of paperwork, including a medical authorization form. It’s often framed as routine. Signing it without review is a costly mistake, since most of these forms are written far broader than necessary.
Why it’s risky: A blanket authorization can open your entire medical history, not just records tied to this accident. Insurers are only entitled to records related to your current injuries, nothing more.
How it’s used against you: With broad access, adjusters search for anything in your past that suggests your injury isn’t new. If your back was hurt in the crash, they’ll look for any old mention of back pain and call it a flare-up instead of a fresh injury. We make sure insurers only get what they’re legally owed, protecting your privacy and your claim.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Settlement Offer
A quick settlement check can feel tempting when bills are piling up. But that first offer is rarely fair. It’s a calculated number meant to close your case cheaply.
Why it’s almost always too low: Adjusters are judged on how fast and cheap they close files. Early offers usually cover only obvious costs, like ER bills and minor treatment. They leave out future surgeries, long-term lost income, and pain and suffering entirely. The goal is to get your signature before the real cost of your injury is known.
Why waiting matters: Once you sign a release, your claim is closed for good, even if your condition worsens later. Injuries like herniated discs or brain injuries can take weeks to show themselves fully. We generally advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before agreeing to any number.
Mistake #4: Minimizing Your Injuries ("I feel fine.")
When an adjuster asks how you’re doing, it’s natural to say “I’m okay.” This small habit can seriously hurt your claim. Every word is recorded and can be used as evidence that your injuries are minor, even though real injuries often take days or weeks to fully appear.
A safer response is short and factual: “I am under a doctor’s care and following their instructions.” This protects your claim without overstating or understating anything.
Mistake #5: Not Hiring an Attorney
The biggest mistake on this list is trying to handle your claim alone. Adjusters do this for a living, with training and resources built to pay out as little as possible. Facing that without help rarely ends well. This bias against injured people is especially common in motorcycle cases, where insurers lean on stereotypes to unfairly blame the rider.
Once you hire an attorney, the balance shifts. We take over every conversation, calculate your claim’s full value, including future medical costs and lost earning capacity, and negotiate from strength instead of pressure. An attorney isn’t an added expense. It’s the difference between a low, fast number and the full compensation you actually deserve.
Other Costly Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid
Beyond the five mistakes above, a few other missteps can quietly weaken your claim before you realize it.
Missing Filing and Reporting Deadlines
California generally gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Your own policy may require reporting the accident much sooner. Missing either deadline can give an insurer grounds to delay or deny your claim.
Failing to Document the Damage and Your Injuries
Skipping photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage makes it easier for an insurer to argue your claim is worth less than it really is. Keep every medical bill and repair estimate.
Not Taking Steps to Prevent Further Damage
After a crash, you generally must take reasonable steps to prevent further loss, such as following your doctor’s treatment plan or arranging timely repairs. Insurers may use any failure to do so against your claim.
New AI/Algorithm Tactics Used by Insurance Companies in 2026
Insurance companies now use AI tools to review claims and control payouts. These systems scan accident reports, medical records, social media, and recorded statements for anything that can weaken your case.
Recorded statements are a common target. If you mention feeling “better” a few days after a crash, AI can flag that comment and use it to argue your injuries were minor, even if treatment continued for months. These systems also look for:
- Gaps in medical treatment
- Differences between your statements and your records
- Social media posts that seem to contradict your injuries
- Prior claims or health conditions
Knowing how your words can be used is one of the best ways to protect your claim. If an insurer is already disputing your case, an attorney can take over communication for you.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Car Accident Wasn't My Fault?
Many people assume that if a crash clearly wasn’t their fault, the insurer will simply pay what’s owed. That assumption can be costly. Being blameless doesn’t stop an adjuster from disputing fault or undervaluing your claim.
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning fault can be split between parties even in straightforward crashes. If an insurer shifts 10 to 20 percent of the blame onto you, your compensation drops by that same amount.
Consider hiring an attorney if:
- The other driver’s insurer disputes fault
- Your injuries are serious or ongoing
- Multiple vehicles or drivers are involved
- The adjuster pushes for a recorded statement or fast settlement
- Your own insurer is questioning your claim
Even in a clear-cut case, going up against adjusters alone puts you at a disadvantage. An experienced attorney can investigate fault, gather evidence, and handle every conversation so the responsible party pays the full cost, not you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dealing With Insurance Adjusters
Answers to common questions about dealing with insurance adjusters after an accident, including recorded statements, fault disputes, and settlement timelines.