After a personal injury accident in Las Vegas, one of the first people you may hear from is an insurance adjuster. While this may seem routine, it’s important to understand that insurance adjusters do not work for you. Their goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line—not to ensure you receive fair compensation. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or other type of accident, knowing how to handle conversations with adjusters can impact the outcome of your claim.

Understand the Role of the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who evaluate claims and determine how much money, if any, the insurer should pay. They investigate the accident, gather facts, review medical records, and negotiate settlements. Though they may come across as polite and helpful, their main goal is to resolve your case quickly and for the least amount possible.

This doesn’t mean you need to be combative, but you should remain cautious. Everything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Do Not Rush to Speak with Them

Insurance companies often move quickly to get a statement from you. They may call within a day or two of your injury. This is not an accident—it’s a tactic. Early conversations are more likely to catch you off-guard, especially if you haven’t yet spoken with a lawyer or fully assessed your injuries.

If you’re contacted, you are not legally required to give a statement right away. You can politely decline to speak until you’ve had time to recover, review the situation, and consult with a personal injury attorney. This allows you to avoid making statements that may later hurt your case.

Be Careful What You Say

If you do speak with an insurance adjuster, keep your responses short and factual. Avoid guessing, speculating, or sharing opinions. For example, never say, “I think I’m okay” or “It wasn’t a big deal.” Even simple remarks can be misinterpreted and used to claim that your injuries aren’t serious.

Also, avoid discussing fault. In Nevada, comparative negligence laws allow your compensation to be reduced if you’re found partially responsible for the accident. Admitting fault, even casually, can jeopardize your claim.

Do Not Provide a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice

Insurance adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement. This can be risky. Once a statement is recorded, it can be replayed, transcribed, and examined for inconsistencies. Even if you’re telling the truth, details you forget or explain poorly can be used against you later.

You have the right to decline a recorded statement, and you should exercise that right until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. An attorney can help ensure your words aren’t twisted to favor the insurer.

Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

It’s common for insurance companies to offer a quick settlement in the early days after an accident. This may seem appealing—especially if you’re facing medical bills or missing work—but initial offers are often much lower than what your claim is actually worth.

In many cases, the full extent of your injuries or losses may not be clear right away. Accepting a low offer early means giving up your right to pursue additional compensation later. Once you sign a release, your case is closed.

Before agreeing to anything, have a personal injury attorney review the offer. A lawyer can assess whether the settlement is fair and negotiate for a higher amount if needed.

Gather and Protect Evidence

Insurance adjusters may ask for access to your medical records or permission to speak with your doctors. While they may claim this is just part of the process, you are not obligated to give unrestricted access to your entire medical history.

Instead, let your attorney handle the release of relevant records. This protects your privacy and ensures only information directly related to the accident is shared.

In the meantime, continue gathering documentation. Save medical bills, prescriptions, doctor’s notes, photos of your injuries, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. All of this helps support your claim.

Keep Communications Professional

It’s natural to feel frustrated or emotional after an accident. However, when communicating with an adjuster, remain calm and professional. Avoid venting or becoming confrontational.

Everything you say—whether written or spoken—can be documented and used to evaluate your credibility. Stay focused on the facts, and avoid personal opinions or emotional appeals.

If the adjuster becomes pushy or tries to pressure you, do not feel obligated to respond right away. You can always take time to think or consult with your attorney before replying.

Know When to Get Legal Help

Many injury victims in Las Vegas aren’t sure when to bring a lawyer into the process. The answer is simple—sooner is usually better. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you from the start, preventing costly mistakes and protecting your rights throughout the claims process.

Having legal representation also changes the way insurance companies approach your case. Adjusters are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know you have someone on your side who understands the law and is prepared to go to court if necessary.

Whether you’ve already been contacted by an insurance adjuster or are just starting your recovery, a personal injury lawyer can help you handle the next steps with confidence.

Conclusion

Dealing with insurance adjusters after a personal injury is not as straightforward as it may seem. While they might appear friendly and cooperative, they are trained to serve the insurance company’s interests—not yours.

By understanding their role, avoiding common pitfalls, and consulting with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, you can protect your right to fair compensation. Take the time to gather evidence, communicate wisely, and don’t be rushed into a decision that could cost you more in the long run.