Hills Daniels & Associates
How Louisiana Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Your Claim
After a car accident, one of the first calls you'll receive won't be from a doctor or a friend — it will be from an insurance adjuster. They'll sound friendly, sympathetic, and helpful. But make no mistake: their job is to pay you as little as possible. Insurance companies are billion-dollar businesses, and their adjusters are trained professionals whose goal is to protect the company's bottom line — not your recovery.
Understanding the tactics they use is the first step to protecting yourself. The second — and most important — step is contacting an attorney before you say a single word to them.
The Most Important Thing You Can Do
Do not speak to any insurance adjuster, insurance company representative, or opposing party without first consulting your attorney. Anything you say — even something that seems harmless — can and will be used to reduce or deny your claim. One phone call to Hills Daniels & Associates before you talk to anyone could make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use Against You
Insurance adjusters follow a playbook. Here are the most common ways they try to minimize what they owe you:
Calling You Immediately After the Accident
Insurance companies move fast — often calling within hours of a crash. You're shaken, in pain, and not thinking clearly. This is exactly when they want to talk to you. Early statements made in shock or confusion are frequently used against victims later in the claims process.
Asking for a Recorded Statement
An adjuster may say a recorded statement is "routine" or "required." It is not required. Recorded statements are carefully analyzed for anything that can be used to shift blame onto you or undermine your injuries. Never give one without speaking to an attorney first.
Offering a Quick, Low Settlement
A fast settlement offer sounds appealing when you're stressed and facing medical bills. But early offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim — especially before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept and sign a release, you can never go back for more money.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Adjusters are trained to question the severity of your injuries, suggest they were pre-existing, or argue that your medical treatment was unnecessary or excessive. Without an attorney advocating for you, these arguments can significantly reduce what you recover.
Delaying the Claims Process
Sometimes the tactic is simply to drag things out — hoping you'll get frustrated, run out of money, or accept a lower offer just to be done with it. An experienced attorney knows how to keep pressure on insurance companies and move your claim forward.
Requesting Access to Your Medical Records
Adjusters may ask you to sign broad medical record authorizations that give them access to your entire medical history — not just records related to the accident. They use this to find pre-existing conditions to blame your injuries on. Never sign anything without attorney review.
Never Sign Anything Without Your Attorney
Whether it's a settlement release, a medical authorization, or any other document from an insurance company — do not sign it until your attorney has reviewed it. What looks like routine paperwork can permanently waive your rights to future compensation.
Why You Should Always Have an Attorney in Your Corner
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and investigators working on their side from the moment your accident happens. You deserve someone fighting just as hard on yours.
Here's what having a Hills Daniels & Associates attorney means for your claim:
- All communication goes through us — you never have to speak directly to an insurance adjuster again
- We know their tactics — and we know exactly how to counter them
- We build the strongest possible case — gathering evidence, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions
- We negotiate for maximum value — not the first number they throw out
- We take it to court if necessary — insurance companies know we're willing to fight, which alone often increases settlement offers
- You pay nothing unless we win — our contingency fee arrangement means there is zero financial risk to you
The Bottom Line
The insurance adjuster calling you after your accident is not on your side. They are a professional trained to minimize what you receive. The single most important thing you can do after an accident is call an attorney before you talk to anyone else. At Hills Daniels & Associates, your consultation is always free — and we don't get paid unless you do.
What to Say If an Insurance Company Calls You
Keep it simple. You are not required to give any information beyond confirming your identity. Here's all you need to say:
Script: What to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
"I have been in an accident and I am represented by an attorney. Please direct all further communication to my attorney at Hills Daniels & Associates, (504) 641-0016. I have no further comment at this time."
That's it. You don't owe them an explanation, a recorded statement, or a detailed account of what happened. The moment you say you have an attorney, a reputable adjuster is legally required to direct contact through your legal representation.
Don't Face the Insurance Company Alone.
At Hills Daniels & Associates, we handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf from day one. Our consultations are always free, and we never charge a fee unless we win your case. Call us today at (504) 641-0016 or fill out the form on this page.
Don't Let the Insurance Company Shortchange You.
Free consultation — no obligation, no upfront cost, no fee unless we win.
Call (504) 641-0016 Now