After an injury, you'll likely hear from an insurance adjuster quickly. Understanding their role — and your rights — helps you avoid the traps that cost injured Montanans money.
Whose Side Is the Adjuster On?
An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to resolve claims for the lowest amount possible. Even a pleasant, helpful-sounding adjuster is trained to look for reasons to reduce or deny your claim. Keeping this in mind frames every interaction realistically.
This doesn't mean adjusters are villains — it means their interests and yours are not aligned.
The Quick Settlement Trap
A fast settlement offer can be tempting, especially with medical bills mounting. But early offers usually come before the full extent of your injuries is known, and accepting one typically requires signing a release that ends your claim forever. If your condition worsens, you can't reopen it.
Patience protects you. Wait until you understand your full medical picture before agreeing to any settlement.
Recorded Statements and Medical Authorizations
Adjusters often request a recorded statement and a broad medical authorization. You're generally not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement, and a blanket medical release can let them dig through unrelated history to find something to use against you.
It's reasonable to decline these requests until you've spoken with an attorney who can limit what's shared to what's actually relevant.
What Not to Say
Avoid speculating about fault, minimizing your injuries ('I'm fine'), or guessing about facts you're unsure of. In a comparative negligence state, casual remarks can be used to shift blame onto you. Stick to the basic facts and decline to speculate.
If you're unsure how to respond to a question, it's perfectly fine to say you'll follow up after consulting your attorney.
Level the Playing Field
Insurers handle thousands of claims and know every tactic. Having an attorney handle communications removes the pressure from you, prevents costly missteps, and signals to the insurer that you're serious. Represented claimants frequently recover more than those who go it alone.
Before you talk further with an adjuster, get a free case review. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
You're generally not required to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. It's often wise to decline until you've consulted an attorney.
Early offers usually come before your full injuries are known and require signing away your claim. If your condition worsens later, you can't reopen a settled claim.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Montana attorney. Injury Claim Team is a legal referral and lead-generation service, not a law firm.