If you’ve recently been in a car crash in Louisiana, one of the first phone calls you might get is from an insurance adjuster. They often sound polite and helpful. But make no mistake: their job is to save their company money. That means they’re trained to ask questions that can make your injuries seem less serious or make the crash seem like your fault.
As Louisiana car accident lawyers, we’ve helped many clients who were caught off guard by these tactics. The good news is, if you know what to expect, you can protect yourself and your case. Below, we break down five of the most common trick questions adjusters ask, why they’re dangerous, and how you should respond.
1. “How did the crash happen?”
This is usually the first question an adjuster will ask. It seems like a basic question, but it’s not. Adjusters want to hear something, anything, they can use to put part of the blame on you. Even saying something like, “I didn’t see the other car,” or “I was just trying to get home after work,” can give them an excuse to argue you were distracted or tired.
Another common mistake? Saying something that sounds like an apology. For example, “I feel bad about what happened.” That might feel like a kind thing to say, but it can be twisted into an admission of fault. In Louisiana, fault matters a lot. If they say you were even partly at fault, your compensation could be reduced.
The best way to answer: Stick to the facts. Say where you were, what direction you were going, and what you saw. If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to say “I don’t recall” or “I can’t be sure.” Never guess. Guessing can come back to hurt your case later.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-97732. “Were you hurt?” or “How are you feeling?”
This question might seem like someone checking in to make sure you’re okay. But it’s really another way for the adjuster to minimize your injuries. Most people naturally say things like “I’m fine,” or “It’s not too bad,” even when they are in pain. Unfortunately, those kinds of answers can seriously hurt your claim.
If you tell the adjuster you’re okay, they may use that to argue you don’t need medical treatment or that your injuries aren’t serious. And once you say that, it’s hard to walk it back later—even if you end up needing weeks of treatment.
The safest answer: Say, “I’m still being evaluated by my doctors.” That keeps the door open for medical care, and it keeps the insurance company from using your words against you later.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-97733. “Everyone gets distracted after a long drive, right?”
This type of question is called a leading question. It’s not really meant to learn something—it’s meant to get you to agree to something that sounds harmless but can hurt your case. If you say “yes,” they may claim you admitted you weren’t fully focused on the road.
These kinds of questions are sneaky. They may even sound like casual small talk. But remember, everything you say to an insurance adjuster is being listened to very carefully. Their goal is to find something that weakens your case.
How to answer: Don’t let them put words in your mouth. Say, “I was paying attention to the road.” Keep your answer short and clear.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-97734. Questions about your past health problems
If the adjuster starts asking about health conditions like back pain, arthritis, or diabetes, they aren’t doing it because they care about your well-being. They’re trying to argue that your current pain or injury wasn’t caused by the crash at all. It was already there.
This tactic is especially common if you’ve ever had any kind of pre-existing medical issue that might be connected to your injury. For example, if you have a history of back problems and now your back hurts worse after the crash, they’ll say your injury is from before, not from the accident.
What to do: You are not required to answer these questions. You can simply say, “That’s not relevant to my claim.” Or even better, say, “Please speak to my attorney.” Don’t let them trap you into giving information they can twist around.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-97735. “Will you give a recorded statement?”
This is one of the most dangerous questions they ask. It may sound like a routine request, but it can seriously hurt your case. A recorded statement locks you into whatever you say. And if you misspeak, forget a detail, or just phrase something poorly, it could be used against you later in court or during settlement talks.
You’re not required by law to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. If they insist or pressure you, that’s a big red flag. You should always talk to a lawyer before agreeing to any kind of recorded interview.
Your response should be: “I won’t be giving a recorded statement.” If it’s your own insurance company and they require one, ask to give a written statement instead, or talk to your lawyer about the best next step.
Why It Matters
Insurance companies handle thousands of claims every year. They know what works. They’ve trained their staff to ask questions that make people let their guard down. That’s how they save money—by paying people less than they deserve. If you don’t know their tricks, it’s easy to get caught off guard.
That’s why having someone in your corner matters. At LJBLegal, we don’t just fill out paperwork. We fight for our clients. We take the time to listen to your story, gather the evidence, and deal with the insurance companies for you. We make sure your claim gets the attention and care it deserves.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
After a crash, you may feel overwhelmed. You’re hurt. You have bills piling up. You’re not sure what to say or who to trust. And the insurance adjuster seems so polite, it might feel rude not to answer their questions. But this isn’t about being polite—it’s about protecting yourself.
The truth is, you might not need to go to court. Many cases settle without a lawsuit. But if your case does need to go the distance, you’ll want someone who knows how to fight. At LJBLegal, we prepare every case like it’s going to court, even if it settles. That’s how we make sure our clients get every dollar they deserve.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’ve been in a crash in Louisiana, here are a few steps you can take today to protect yourself:
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance adjuster until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
- If they do call, keep your answers short and don’t guess. It’s okay to say, “I don’t recall.”
- Never agree to give a recorded statement.
- Don’t discuss your medical history with the insurance company.
- Reach out to a law firm that focuses on helping injury victims in Louisiana.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crash, reach out to the team at LJBLegal. We’ll answer your questions, help you understand your options, and stand by your side every step of the way. You deserve more than just a quick check. You deserve real support and real results.
Call us today to get started. We’re ready to help.