After an accident, the call usually comes fast. A calm voice on the other end, friendly and professional, “Hi, I’m calling from the insurance company, just following up to see how you’re doing.” It sounds harmless. Maybe even helpful.
But make no mistake: they’re not calling for your benefit. They’re gathering information, building a case, not for you, but against you.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we’ve represented countless personal injury victims across Florida, and we’ve seen every tactic insurers use to reduce or deny payouts. If you’ve been injured, whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other personal injury matter, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Call us before speaking to the insurance company. One wrong statement could cost you.
Why the Insurance Adjuster Is Not Your Advocate
Insurance companies are businesses. Their profits come from paying out less than they take in. That means minimizing the value of every claim they can. No matter how polite or cooperative the adjuster may seem, their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your recovery.
This doesn’t mean every adjuster is malicious. But they are trained to reduce risk and limit liability, and that often means using subtle strategies that work against your best interests.
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We specialize in personal injury claims.
Common Tactics to Watch Out For
1. The “Friendly Chat” That’s Actually an Interrogation
Adjusters often ask open-ended, casual questions that sound harmless:
“Can you tell me what happened?”
“Were you feeling okay after the accident?”
“Have you ever had back pain before this?”
These questions aren’t just for the file, they’re designed to elicit responses they can twist. Say something like “I’m doing alright,” and that may be used later to argue your injuries weren’t serious. Mention any prior health issue, and they may claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident at all.
You’re not required to give a recorded statement without legal counsel. In fact, we strongly recommend you don’t.
2. Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers
It’s common for insurers to offer a fast settlement shortly after an injury, sometimes within days. They position it as a favor: “We want to help you move forward.”
But here’s the truth: they’re trying to settle before you realize the full extent of your injuries. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, and spinal trauma often develop or worsen over time. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more, even if your medical bills triple.
We’ve had clients who nearly accepted a very small portion of what their case was actually worth. Don’t make that mistake.
3. Blaming You, Even in Part
Florida’s modified comparative negligence law bars you from recovering damages if you’re found more than 50% at fault. Adjusters know this and will often try to assign partial blame to you, even when it doesn’t make sense.
Did you say you “didn’t see them coming”? That could be spun into a partial fault. Did you delay seeking treatment? They might argue your injuries were minor, or not caused by the accident at all.
This tactic is especially common in falls, pedestrian accidents, and shared space incidents. An attorney can counter this with evidence, expert reports, and legal strategy.
4. Delaying and Stonewalling
Another favorite strategy: drag things out. They’ll “review your claim” for weeks, request endless documentation, and suddenly go quiet. The hope? That you’ll get frustrated or desperate and settle for less, or give up entirely.
Time is a weapon for insurance companies. But with a lawyer on your side, those games stop fast.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Changes Everything
When you bring in Andrew Pickett Law, you level the playing field. You’re no longer at the mercy of trained adjusters and legal teams. You have your own advocate, someone whose only job is to protect you.
Here’s what we do:
- Shield you from direct communication with insurers so you don’t say something that could be used against you.
- Value your claim properly, including medical expenses, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and more.
- Gather and preserve evidence to prove liability and damages.
- Negotiate from a position of strength, backed by experience and legal authority.
- File suit when necessary to hold insurers accountable and demand the full compensation you deserve.
Whether your injury was from a car accident, trucking crash, slip on a poorly maintained property, defective product, or any other form of negligence, we understand how the other side operates, and how to beat them at their own game.
Don’t Give the Insurance Company a Head Start
The moment you’re injured, the insurance company gets to work. So should you.
At Andrew Pickett Law, we offer free consultations. No pressure. Just answers. If we take your case, you don’t pay unless we win.
Before you return that call from the adjuster, return power to your corner. Call us first.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
