Do I Need a Lawyer Before Talking To The Insurance Adjuster?

Sansone & Lauber | | Car Accidents
Do I Need a Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Adjuster

After a car accident or serious injury in St. Louis, most people receive a phone call within a few days — sometimes within hours.

It’s usually the insurance adjuster, calling with what sounds like concern:

“We just want to get your side of the story.”
“We’ll take care of everything.”
“We just need to record your statement to move your claim forward.”

But here’s the truth: insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line — not your recovery, your bills, or your long-term health.

That’s why one of the smartest things you can do after an accident in Missouri is to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer before you ever speak with the insurance company.

Why Insurance Adjusters Contact You So Quickly

Insurance companies act fast because they know you’re vulnerable — injured, overwhelmed, and unsure about your next step. They want to control the narrative before you have time to understand your rights.

Their Goals Are Strategic:

  • Minimize payouts: The less you say, the more they can later argue that your injury “wasn’t that serious.”

  • Get you on record early: Recorded statements can be used to twist your words later.

  • Encourage quick settlements: They may offer a lowball amount before you even know the full cost of your injuries.

  • Gather evidence — against you: Anything you say can be turned into a reason to deny or reduce your claim.

Even a simple apology (“I’m sorry, I didn’t see them”) can be interpreted as an admission of fault in Missouri’s comparative-fault system — and reduce your compensation.

Understanding Missouri’s Comparative Fault Laws

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

  • If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20 percent at fault, you only recover $80,000.

  • Insurance adjusters know this — and they’re trained to get statements that shift blame onto you.

A skilled St. Louis accident lawyer can protect you by handling all communications and ensuring you don’t say anything that harms your case.

What Happens If You Talk to the Insurance Company Alone

1. You Might Accidentally Admit Fault

Adjusters are experts at asking leading questions.
Example: “You didn’t see the other driver until it was too late, right?”
That innocent “Yes” can be spun into: “The victim admitted they weren’t paying attention.”

2. You May Underestimate Your Injuries

Right after a crash, adrenaline masks pain. Many victims tell the adjuster they “feel okay” — then days later discover a concussion, herniated disc, or soft-tissue injury.
Once you’ve made that statement, it’s on record.

3. You Could Sign Away Your Rights

Insurance companies often send medical-release forms that give them access to your full medical history — even unrelated conditions — so they can argue your injury was “pre-existing.”

4. You Might Accept a Low Settlement

Without legal guidance, you won’t know what your claim is truly worth — including future treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Once you sign a release, your case is over. You can’t reopen it, even if your condition worsens.

Why Having an Attorney Changes Everything

An experienced injury attorney in St. Louis knows every trick in the adjuster’s playbook. When you hire a lawyer, the insurer must go through your attorney — not you — for all communications.

Your Lawyer Will:

  • Handle all calls and paperwork so you can focus on recovery.

  • Gather and preserve evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and video footage.

  • Calculate your full damages, not just medical bills but also lost income and long-term care.

  • Negotiate aggressively to get the maximum settlement possible.

  • File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.

Insurance companies track which lawyers settle quickly and which are willing to go to court.

At Sansone & Lauber, for example, our reputation as aggressive trial lawyers in Missouri often results in faster, higher settlements.

What to Say (and Not to Say) to the Insurance Company

If you haven’t yet hired a lawyer, and an adjuster calls, remember these tips:

✅ What You Can Say

  • Your name, contact information, and basic facts of the accident (date, location, vehicles involved).

  • “My attorney will contact you shortly to discuss the details.”

🚫 What You Should Never Say

  • “It was partly my fault.”

  • “I feel fine.”

  • “I don’t need medical care.”

  • “I just want this over with.”

  • Anything in a recorded statement — until your attorney reviews it.

Every word matters. Even small talk (“I was just heading to work, was a little tired…”) can become evidence that you were distracted or fatigued.

Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics (and How Lawyers Counter Them)

Adjuster Tactic How They Frame It How a Lawyer Counters It
“We just need your statement to move things along.” They want recorded evidence to use against you. Your attorney provides a written statement instead, carefully reviewed for accuracy.
“We’ll pay your medical bills right away if you sign this release.” They want to close the case cheaply. Your lawyer ensures you’re compensated for future treatment, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
“You don’t need a lawyer — they’ll just take part of your money.” They’re afraid of lawyers who know their tricks. Studies show injury victims with lawyers recover 3 to 5× more than those without.
Delaying your claim They hope you’ll give up or accept less. Your attorney files formal demands and sets deadlines.
Blaming you for part of the accident Reduces your payout under comparative fault. Your lawyer investigates the scene, gathers photos, and brings in experts to prove negligence.

Missouri Law Gives You Rights — But You Must Act Quickly

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of injury — but that doesn’t mean you should wait.
Delays can mean:

  • Lost evidence (dash-cam footage, skid marks, surveillance video)

  • Faded memories of witnesses

  • Medical gaps that weaken your case

The sooner you hire a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, the sooner your case is protected.

Types of Cases Where Adjuster Calls Are Most Common

Insurance adjusters contact victims after nearly every type of injury claim, including:

  • Car accidents and truck accidents on I-64, I-70, or I-44

  • Motorcycle crashes throughout St. Louis County and St. Charles

  • Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in city crosswalks

  • Slip-and-fall injuries at grocery stores or apartment complexes

  • Work-related or construction-site injuries (sometimes overlapping with workers’ comp)

  • Dog bites and premises liability claims

In every scenario, the insurer’s interests are the same — to pay as little as possible.

How an Injury Lawyer Values Your Claim

A qualified Missouri accident lawyer evaluates not only your medical bills but the entire financial and emotional impact of your injury.

Economic Damages

  • Emergency medical care

  • Hospital stays and surgeries

  • Physical therapy and medications

  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity

  • Property damage (vehicle, phone, etc.)

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

  • Scarring or disfigurement

  • Loss of companionship

Punitive Damages

In cases of drunk driving, reckless speeding, or egregious negligence, Missouri courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Real-World Example — The $14.2 Million Motorcycle Verdict

One Missouri client was injured in a motorcycle crash after a distracted driver turned left in front of him. The insurance company initially offered $250,000, claiming partial fault.
After litigation and expert testimony, Sansone & Lauber secured a $14.2 million verdict for the victim.

That result shows what happens when you have an attorney who refuses to let an insurance company take advantage of an injured person.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I handle my own insurance claim?

You can — but it’s risky. Insurance companies have entire teams of lawyers. Without legal representation, you’re negotiating blind.

2. How much does a St. Louis injury lawyer cost?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless you win.

3. How long will my case take?

It depends on the complexity of your injuries and the insurer’s willingness to settle. Many cases resolve within six to twelve months — faster when handled by experienced attorneys.

4. Will I have to go to court?

Most cases settle out of court, but your lawyer will prepare every case as if it’s going to trial — which strengthens your position.

5. What if I already talked to the adjuster?

Don’t panic. A lawyer can still step in to control the damage and prevent further missteps. The key is to stop talking to the insurer immediately and let your lawyer handle it from here.

How to Protect Yourself Right Now

If you’ve been contacted by an insurance adjuster after an accident in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri:

  1. Do not provide a recorded statement.

  2. Do not sign any documents.

  3. Do not discuss your injuries or fault.

  4. Call an experienced accident lawyer immediately.

Your attorney can respond to the adjuster, gather all relevant evidence, and ensure every communication strengthens your case — not theirs.

Local Advantage — Why a St. Louis Lawyer Matters

Insurance laws, court systems, and even jury tendencies vary across Missouri.
A local St. Louis injury lawyer understands:

  • The preferences of local judges and mediators

  • How St. Louis County juries tend to value pain and suffering

  • The most effective medical experts and accident-reconstruction specialists in the area

  • How to work with St. Louis police departments and hospitals for evidence and records

Local knowledge can make the difference between a small settlement and a life-changing recovery.

What Sets Top Missouri Injury Attorneys Apart

When searching for a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, look for firms that:

  • Have millions recovered for Missouri accident victims

  • Have proven trial experience, not just settlements

  • Offer free consultations and no-fee guarantees

  • Are available 24/7 to answer questions

  • Have local offices where you can meet in person

Final Warning — Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friends

Insurance companies spend billions of dollars every year on advertising to appear friendly and caring. Behind the scenes, they employ teams of defense lawyers and adjusters trained to reduce payouts.

They track everything — your social-media posts, your medical history, even your tone of voice.
Their bottom line depends on paying you as little as possible.

The best protection you have is an experienced, relentless St. Louis accident lawyer fighting for your rights.

Protect Your Future — Call a St. Louis Injury Lawyer Before Talking to the Insurance Company

After an accident, every decision you make matters — especially the first phone call.
Before you say a single word to the insurance adjuster, call a trusted Missouri injury attorney who can protect your rights, your health, and your financial future.

At Sansone & Lauber, our team has decades of experience fighting insurance companies and winning life-changing compensation for accident victims across St. Louis and throughout Missouri.

Don’t risk your claim.
Don’t face the insurance company alone.
Call (314) 863-0500 for a free consultation today.