What Not to Say to an Insurance Claim Adjuster in Georgia

If an insurance adjuster has called you after a car crash, you need to know what not to say to an insurance claim adjuster. The short answer: don’t admit fault, don’t guess about how the crash happened, don’t shrink your injuries, and don’t sign anything you haven’t read. This guide explains each point in plain language, why it matters under Georgia law, and what to say instead.

Why the adjuster’s first calls matter in your car accident claim

An adjuster works for the other driver’s insurance company. Part of that job is judging how much your claim is worth, so the call is a business conversation, even when the voice sounds friendly.

Everything you say can end up in the claim file. That includes phone calls, recorded statements, and written questionnaires. The Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire advises promptly notifying your insurer and avoiding statements that admit responsibility after a car accident (Georgia auto claim tips).

You don’t have to answer every question on the spot. Ask for the adjuster’s name, the claim number, and a callback number. Then say you need time to gather information. Write down the date and time of each call.

Do not admit fault or guess about how the crash happened

Never say you caused the crash, even as a polite apology. Never guess about speed, signals, or what the other driver was doing.

Phrases like “I’m sorry,” “I should have seen him,” or “I think I was going too fast” can be read as admissions. Adjusters write these down and may repeat them later.

This matters because Georgia reduces damages by fault. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, the judge reduces damages in proportion to the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. A plaintiff who is 50 percent or more responsible receives no damages. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-11-7, a plaintiff who by ordinary care could have avoided the consequences of the defendant’s negligence is not entitled to recover. A casual guess about speed can become a fault argument.

Stick to what you directly saw, heard, and did. If you don’t remember a detail, say so. A calm line works well: “I’m still gathering the facts, and I’ll follow up in writing.”

Describe injuries accurately, without minimizing or overstating them

Describe the symptoms you have today, and say you are still being evaluated. Saying “I’m fine” or “it’s just a scratch” can cause trouble, because pain often shows up hours or days after a crash.

Name what you actually feel. Neck stiffness, headaches, back pain, numbness, or dizziness are all worth mentioning. If a symptom is new or getting worse, tell your doctor first.

An early description is not a final medical opinion. Diagnoses can change as tests and treatment continue. Saying “I’m still getting care, and I don’t know the full picture yet” is accurate and protects you.

Money matters too. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2, special damages “actually flow from a tortious act” and “must be proved” to be recovered. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-1.1(b), medical expenses are limited to the reasonable value of medically necessary care. Keep every bill, receipt, and mileage log.

Be careful with prior injuries, medical records, and signed authorizations

Don’t guess about past injuries or treatment. Read any medical authorization before you sign it, because both can shape how the claim is judged.

If you had neck or back problems before the crash, say so honestly. Say you will check your records for dates and details. A wrong date is easy to dispute and can hurt your credibility.

A medical authorization, or release, lets the insurer request records. A broad form can reach many years of records. Before signing, ask what it covers, what time period it names, and who receives the records. Ask for a copy.

Recorded statements deserve the same care as a phone call. If you can, ask for questions in writing first. Review your answers before you agree to any recording.

Some providers treat patients under a letter of protection, meaning they wait for payment from a future settlement. Keep copies of every document you sign.

Avoid accepting early offers and posting about the crash

Don’t accept an early offer until you know the full extent of your injuries and costs. Early offers may arrive before treatment is finished.

Read any offer carefully. Don’t sign a release or cash a check that says the claim is closed unless you understand what you are giving up. Georgia’s insurance regulator also lists negotiating an inadequate offer among its claim steps (Georgia insurance claim tips).

Social media needs the same pause. Posts, photos, check-ins, and messages about activities can be taken out of context. Pause posting about the crash and your activities until the claim is resolved.

Watch the clock, too. Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, actions for injuries to the person must generally be brought within two years after the right of action accrues, except that actions for injuries to the person involving loss of consortium must be brought within four years after the right of action accrues. A claim that drifts while you wait for offers can run into that deadline.

What to say instead, and how a free consultation can help

A short, calm script works best. Say your name, say you were in a crash, say you are still getting care, and say you will follow up in writing.

Try lines like these: “I’m still getting medical care, so I can’t give a final answer yet.” “I don’t remember that detail.” “Please send your questions in writing, and I’ll respond.”

Knowing what not to say to an insurance claim adjuster is only part of the picture. Keep notes of every call, and keep copies of anything you sign. Our car accident guide and settlement negotiation pages cover the wider steps.

If an adjuster has already called and you are still sorting out medical visits, repairs, and insurer questions, you don’t have to work through the claim alone. Slam Dunk Attorney offers a free, confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue. Reach out through our contact page.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Peter F. Jaraysi is the responsible lawyer for this page at Slam Dunk Attorney in Duluth, Georgia. Contact details are on the contact page linked above.