What is the Role of a Claims Adjuster After a Crash in Texas?
After a car accident in Texas, one of the first people you will hear from is a claims adjuster. They may contact you soon after the crash to discuss the details of the accident, your injuries, and property damage.
While their questions may sound routine, understanding the true role of a claims adjuster helps you protect your rights and avoid mistakes that could reduce your compensation.
What a Claims Adjuster Does
A claims adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their main responsibility is to investigate the accident and determine how much money the insurer should pay on a claim.
They handle both property damage and personal injury claims by:
- Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and medical records
- Inspecting vehicle damage and estimating repair costs
- Interviewing those involved in the accident
- Determining fault based on evidence and policy terms
- Negotiating settlements with claimants
Although adjusters appear helpful, their ultimate goal is to protect the insurer’s bottom line. They look for reasons to minimize payouts or deny claims whenever possible.
The Claims Adjuster’s Process
In Texas, insurance companies must follow specific timelines under the Texas Insurance Code. After you file a claim, the adjuster will:
- Acknowledge receipt of the claim within 15 days.
- Request additional information if needed, such as photos, estimates, or medical documentation.
- Investigate the accident to determine liability and damages.
- Approve or deny the claim within 15 business days after receiving all required information.
If the adjuster needs more time, they must notify you in writing, explaining the reason for the delay. Even though these timelines are designed to protect consumers, insurance companies often use them to gather as much information as possible—sometimes at your expense.
How Adjusters Protect the Insurance Company
Claims adjusters receive training to minimize financial losses for their employer. They may use several tactics to reduce your claim’s value, including:
- Asking for a recorded statement immediately after the accident.
- Encouraging quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Suggesting that your injuries are unrelated or preexisting.
- Offering a lower estimate for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Using partial fault laws to reduce your payout.
Under Texas’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover damages. Adjusters often focus on statements or evidence that shift blame toward you.
How to Communicate With a Claims Adjuster
When speaking with an adjuster, always remain polite but cautious. You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. If you must speak with your own insurer, keep your answers short and factual.
Follow these guidelines:
- Do not speculate or guess about fault.
- Avoid discussing medical details until your injuries are fully evaluated.
- Do not agree to a settlement or sign documents without reviewing them carefully.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and notes from every call.
- Contact an attorney before giving any formal statement.
Everything you say to an adjuster can and will be used to reduce the amount of compensation offered.
When to Involve a Lawyer
An experienced Texas personal injury attorney understands how insurance adjusters operate and can protect you from unfair tactics.
Your lawyer can:
- Handle all communication with the insurance company.
- Review your policy and ensure compliance with deadlines.
- Collect medical records and evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiate for the full value of your losses.
- File a lawsuit if the insurer acts in bad faith or refuses to settle fairly.
With legal representation, you shift the balance of power. Instead of dealing directly with the adjuster’s questions and strategies, your attorney ensures the insurance company follows Texas law and treats you fairly.
Speak to an experienced attorney at Craft Law Firm
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