Insurance adjusters often use a variety of tactics to reduce the amount an insurance company pays on a claim. These tactics may include requesting recorded statements designed to create inconsistencies, minimizing injuries, disputing medical treatment, shifting blame to the injured person, delaying the claims process, or making quick settlement offers before the full extent of damages is known. While not every adjuster engages in every tactic, accident victims should understand that insurance companies are businesses whose goal is often to limit financial exposure and protect their bottom line.

At Laborde Earles, we have spent decades helping injured Louisianans stand up to insurance companies after serious accidents. With more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have seen firsthand how quickly insurers begin building defenses against claims. We believe injured people deserve to understand the claims process, recognize common insurance company tactics, and have experienced advocates fighting to protect their rights.

In this guide, we'll explain the most common tactics insurance adjusters use to lowball claims, warning signs to watch for, practical steps you can take to protect yourself, and answers to frequently asked questions about dealing with insurance companies after an accident.

Key Terms Every Claimant Should Understand

Insurance Adjuster

An insurance adjuster investigates claims on behalf of an insurance company. Adjusters may review evidence, evaluate damages, interview witnesses, analyze medical records, and participate in settlement negotiations.

Recorded Statement

A recorded statement is a verbal account of an accident or claim that an insurance company records. Statements given shortly after an accident may later be compared against medical records, testimony, or other evidence.

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for causing an accident or injury.

Damages

Damages are the losses suffered by an injured person and may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical costs

Settlement

A settlement is an agreement that resolves a claim without proceeding to trial.

Why Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Claims

Insurance companies collect premiums and pay covered claims. Like most businesses, they also seek to manage costs and limit payouts whenever possible.

The insurance claims process often involves evaluating:

• Fault
• Injury severity
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Future damages

Disputes frequently arise regarding the value of those losses.

10 Common Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use to Lowball Claims

1. Offering a Quick Settlement

One of the most common tactics is making an early settlement offer before the injured person fully understands their injuries.

Why It Happens
The insurer may hope to settle the claim before:

• Additional treatment occurs
• Future complications arise
• Full damages are known

An example of this would be if a driver accepts a settlement two weeks after an accident. Months later, they discover a herniated disc requiring surgery, but the claim has already been resolved.

2. Requesting a Recorded Statement Immediately

Adjusters often contact accident victims shortly after a crash, knowing that even innocent comments can later be taken out of context.

Why It Happens
They may seek statements that:

• Contain inaccuracies
• Reflect incomplete information
• Create inconsistencies

3. Downplaying Injury Severity

Adjusters may suggest:

• The injuries are minor
• Treatment was unnecessary
• Symptoms are exaggerated
• Recovery should have occurred sooner

Remember, insurance companies are generally not your medical providers. Medical opinions should come from qualified healthcare professionals.

4. Blaming You for the Accident

Fault disputes are common, such as when an adjuster focuses heavily on your speed, lane position, or actions before the crash while minimizing the at-fault driver's conduct. This is because reducing your recovery percentage may reduce the insurer's financial exposure.

5. Delaying the Claims Process

Delays can create pressure on injured people facing:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Financial stress

This financial pressure sometimes causes claimants to accept less than their claim may be worth.

6. Using Social Media Against You

Insurance companies may review publicly available social media content. An example would be when an injured person claims ongoing pain but posts photographs from a family outing. The images may be presented without context. To protect yourself, avoid discussing your accident, injuries, or recovery online.

7. Disputing Medical Treatment

Adjusters may argue:

• Treatment lasted too long
• Certain procedures were unnecessary
• Medical providers overtreated injuries

8. Questioning Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurers often examine prior medical history. An example of this would be when an adjuster argues that current symptoms stem from an old injury rather than the accident. Follow treatment recommendations and maintain complete medical records.

9. Misrepresenting Policy Limits or Coverage Issues

Coverage disputes can become complicated. Never assume you fully understand available insurance coverage without reviewing the policy and facts carefully.

10. Acting Like They're On Your Side

Many adjusters are professional, courteous, and respectful. However, it is important to remember that their role is to evaluate claims on behalf of the insurance company. Friendly conversations can still be used to gather information that affects claim value.

Insurance Adjuster Tactics at a Glance

Lowball Tactic	Purpose
Quick settlement offer	Resolve the claim before the damages are fully known
Recorded statement requests	Create inconsistencies or admissions
Fault-shifting arguments	Reduce liability exposure
Medical treatment disputes	Lower claimed damages
Delays responses	Increase financial pressure
Social media investigations	Challenge injury claims
Coverage disputes	Reduce available compensation
Pre-existing condition arguments	Shift responsibility away from the accident
Selective evidence review	Minimize claim value
Friendly information gathering	Obtain potentially harmful statements

What To Do If You Suspect an Insurance Company Is Lowballing Your Claim

Step 1: Continue Medical Treatment

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Maintain records of:

• Appointments
• Diagnoses
• Prescriptions
• Treatment plans

Step 2: Document Everything

Keep copies of:

• Medical records
• Bills
• Repair estimates
• Emails
• Letters
• Claim correspondence

Step 3: Be Careful With Recorded Statements

Before providing detailed statements:

• Understand the purpose of the interview
• Review available information
• Consider speaking with an attorney

Step 4: Avoid Discussing the Accident Online

Limit social media activity while your claim remains active.

Step 5: Track All Damages

Create a running record of:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Travel expenses
• Out-of-pocket costs

Step 6: Consult an Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement

Once a claim is settled, additional compensation for future damages may no longer be available.

Claimant Protection Checklist

After an Accident, Do:

Seek medical attention
Report the accident
Keep detailed records
Follow medical advice
Save correspondence
Consult an attorney if questions arise

Avoid:

✗ Accepting the first offer automatically
✗ Guessing during recorded statements
✗ Posting about injuries on social media
✗ Throwing away documents
✗ Ignoring treatment recommendations
✗ Assuming the insurance company has your best interests in mind

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first settlement offer usually the best offer?
Not necessarily. Early offers are sometimes made before the full extent of damages is known.

Should I give a recorded statement?
Every situation is different. Before providing detailed recorded statements, many claimants choose to understand their rights and the purpose of the request.

Can insurance companies really use my social media posts?
Yes. Publicly available content may become relevant to a claim investigation.

What if the adjuster says I don't need a lawyer?
Insurance companies and claimants often have different perspectives regarding claim value and legal representation.

Can an adjuster deny my claim simply because I have a pre-existing condition?
Not automatically. The existence of a prior condition does not necessarily prevent recovery when an accident causes new injuries or worsens existing ones.

What if the insurance company keeps delaying my claim?
Document all communications and consider consulting an attorney if delays become unreasonable.

How do I know if my claim is being undervalued?
Warning signs may include:

• Extremely quick settlement offers
• Unexplained denials
• Repeated requests for unnecessary information
• Attempts to minimize injuries
• Fault disputes unsupported by evidence

Don't Let Insurance Company Tactics Determine the Outcome of Your Case

The tactics insurance adjusters use to lowball claims are often most effective when accident victims do not realize what is happening. Understanding how claims are evaluated, recognizing common pressure tactics, and making informed decisions can help protect your ability to pursue fair compensation. The stronger your documentation, preparation, and legal strategy, the more difficult it becomes for insurers to undervalue what you've been through.

At Laborde Earles, we have built our reputation on standing up to insurance companies and fighting for injured Louisianans when the stakes are highest. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion for clients across the state, and we understand what it takes to investigate claims, challenge unfair insurance practices, and pursue maximum compensation. When insurance companies try to minimize your losses, you deserve a team that is prepared to push back.

If you've been injured in an accident and are concerned that an insurance company may be undervaluing your claim, contact Laborde Earles today for a free case evaluation. Call (337) 284-9548, contact us online, or visit one of our offices across Louisiana. There is no fee unless we win your case, and our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your legal options.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Laborde Earles. Insurance claims are highly fact-specific, and outcomes depend on the unique circumstances of each case. If you have questions about an accident claim, an insurance dispute, or a settlement offer, consult a qualified attorney for your individual situation.