By Ela Matters Staff 
Many Richmond drivers don’t realize that adjusters don’t work for them. They work for the insurance company, and that tiny distinction can completely change how you handle interactions. It’s not personal, but it’s business, and their business isn’t about getting you what you deserve; no, it’s about paying out as little as possible.
Working with seasoned Richmond attorneys such as those at Monge & Associates can make a world of difference. They guide you, protect your rights, and keep the adjusters from pushing you into mistakes that could cost you thousands.
Here are eight tips to help you handle insurance adjusters after a car crash in Richmond:
- Understand the Role of the Insurance Adjuster
Before you even think about picking up the phone, it’s essential to understand what an insurance adjuster actually does. They’re not there to help you in any way at all. They’re there to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.
Their job is to collect evidence, read police reports, review medical records, talk to witnesses, and figure out how to pay you as little as possible. Their main tactic is to try to establish a friendly relationship with you so that you feel safe enough not to want to hire a lawyer. Never fall for that.
- Stay Calm and Polite
Even if you do feel offended, frustrated, or even scared, never let the adjuster see this. You should not let your emotions decide your answer. So, if you feel unsure about any answer you want to give, just pause and tell them that you’d get back to them on that after consulting with your lawyer. This way, the adjuster would see that you’re level-headed and collected.
- Be Extremely Cautious with Your Words
It’s so easy to make a mistake here because everything you say can be turned against you. Adjusters are trained to listen for anything that could lower a payout. Stick to the facts: your name, contact info, policy number, and only what they directly ask. Don’t guess, don’t speculate about fault, and don’t over-describe your injuries.
- Document Every Interaction
You might think you’ll remember every call, text, and email, but you won’t. That’s why keeping a detailed record is so important. Write down dates, times, who called, and exactly what was said, even if it seems small. Those tiny details matter more than you think.
Whenever possible, try to communicate in writing. Emails or letters create a paper trail that’s harder to misinterpret than phone calls. And when it comes time to negotiate or even go to court, having clear notes can make a world of difference. It’s tedious, yes, but it’s worth it.
- Never Admit Fault
This can’t be stressed enough. Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you could lose the right to recover any damages. So, don’t ever admit fault, never to the other driver, the police, or the adjuster.
- Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
If your own insurer pushes for a recorded statement, don’t agree until you’ve spoken with a Richmond car accident attorney. Lawyers know exactly how to handle these conversations safely, making sure your words aren’t used against you, while still keeping the claim moving forward.
- Don’t Sign a Medical Release Without Advice
After a crash, adjusters might ask you to sign a medical release. Don’t. It sounds normal, but signing gives them access to your entire medical history, which they can use to poke holes in your claim. Only give medical records through your lawyer when it’s necessary for the claim.
- Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies almost always lowball. They want you to accept quickly, hoping stress, bills, or just exhaustion will make you take less than you deserve. Don’t fall for it. Before saying yes, have a Richmond attorney review everything. They’ll calculate the full value of medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and pain and suffering.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance adjusters work to protect the insurance company, not you.
- Be cautious with your words, don’t admit fault, or give recorded statements.
- Keep detailed records of every interaction and don’t sign medical releases.
- Have a Richmond attorney review any settlement offer before accepting it.