How to Handle Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident in Louisiana
In this episode of Pierce & Shows Personal Injury Postscript, Baton Rouge attorney Chris Shows explains what accident victims in Louisiana should know before speaking with insurance adjusters — or “claim specialists,” as they are now called. With more than 30 years of experience representing injured clients, Chris shares practical advice on how to protect the value of a personal injury claim and avoid common traps set by insurers.
What Insurance Adjusters Really Do
Chris Shows explains that the term “insurance adjuster” has changed over time. Years ago, adjusters had real authority to evaluate and settle claims on the spot. Today, most of them are called “claim specialists” — and they rarely have any decision-making power.
Instead, these specialists act as data collectors. They gather statements, evidence, and documents and then pass them to a claims committee that decides what happens next. Their real job, Chris says, is not to help accident victims but to protect the insurance company’s financial interests.
They look for information that minimizes injury claims, shifts liability away from the insured driver, or creates grounds to deny coverage. Every question they ask and every piece of evidence they collect is designed to reduce the value of the claim.
Why Accident Victims Should Be Cautious
According to Chris, insurance companies today operate very differently from decades ago. In the past, insurers sought fair and efficient resolutions. Now, most adjusters are evaluated based on how much they can save the company. The lower their average cost per claim, the better their performance rating — which means every conversation is geared toward reducing payouts.
Even newer adjusters go through intensive training in claims handling and negotiation tactics. Experienced ones often have decades of knowledge about insurance law, medical terminology, and litigation trends. Chris warns that many injured people underestimate how skilled and strategic these professionals are.
What to Do When an Adjuster Calls
If an accident victim in Louisiana receives a call from an insurance adjuster or claim specialist, Chris advises one simple thing — get off the phone quickly. The adjuster might be trying to gather facts or pressure the person into accepting a fast, low settlement before the full extent of injuries is known.
He recommends politely ending the conversation and limiting communication to written details such as name, contact information, and vehicle details. Written communication creates a clear record and prevents adjusters from twisting verbal statements.
A short response like, “I’m still shaken up from the accident and haven’t had time to gather my notes. I’ll follow up later,” is often the safest approach.
Subtle Tricks Adjusters Use
Chris points out that many adjusters start calls with harmless-sounding questions — for example, “How are you today?” When the injured person replies, “I’m fine,” that statement may later be used to argue that there were no injuries.
Other leading questions, such as “Is there anything you could have done to avoid the accident?”, are designed to shift blame. Most victims are too shaken to recall every detail accurately, and their offhand remarks can be twisted into admissions of fault.
Chris also cautions against assuming that a verbal agreement over the phone isn’t binding. Louisiana’s Electronic Signatures Act allows certain agreements made by phone or electronically to be considered enforceable. In other words, accepting a settlement verbally could legally close a claim.
What Evidence to Gather After an Accident
Chris emphasizes that strong evidence makes or breaks a personal injury claim. With smartphones, everyone now has a camera ready — and it should be used immediately at the scene.
He advises taking close and wide-angle photos of the vehicles, skid marks, the overall scene, and even the position of the sun if visibility played a role. Victims should also take pictures of license plates, insurance cards, and driver’s licenses, as well as get names and contact information from any witnesses.
Eyewitness testimony can be critical, but too many people thank good Samaritans and let them leave without collecting details. When that happens, the other driver’s story often changes later — leaving the victim without proof.
Gathering this evidence allows attorneys to start building the claim right away instead of waiting for the official accident report, which can take weeks. Even if the police report is inaccurate or assigns fault incorrectly, Chris notes that experienced attorneys can still investigate, correct errors, and pursue valid claims.
What If a Statement or Payment Has Already Been Made
It’s common, Chris says, for accident victims to give a recorded statement or accept a small payment early in the process — usually for property damage. These actions don’t necessarily close the door on an injury claim.
However, once a statement is recorded, it can be used against the claimant later. That’s why his firm prefers clients to give recorded statements in the office, with legal counsel present. This ensures the statement is accurate and that the client isn’t misled, confused, or pressured.
Partial settlements for vehicle repairs don’t affect the ability to pursue separate injury claims. What matters is keeping the communication clear and documented.
Why Legal Representation Matters
The biggest risk of talking directly to insurance adjusters is miscommunication. Adjusters are skilled at leading conversations, asking loaded questions, and subtly guiding injured people into saying things that weaken their own cases.
Chris explains that experienced personal injury lawyers know how to anticipate these tactics and ensure that the correct facts are presented. When lawyers handle communications, they can monitor how evidence is gathered, identify inconsistencies, and protect clients from being taken advantage of.
Final Thoughts
Chris Shows reminds Louisiana accident victims that insurance companies have one goal — to minimize payouts. Every conversation, email, or recorded statement can affect the value of a claim.
The safest way to protect one’s rights is to seek experienced legal counsel before speaking to any insurance representative. With the right guidance, accident victims can focus on recovery while professionals handle the complex process of documentation, communication, and negotiation.s