7 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Destroy Your LA Injury Claim

By Alina Bagasian

7 min read

Insurance adjusters use specific tactics to minimize your claim. Learn the red flags and how to protect yourself after an accident in Los Angeles.

7 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Hurt Your Los Angeles Injury Claim

After an accident in Los Angeles, the insurance company is not on your side — even your own insurer. Their goal is to pay as little as possible, and their adjusters are trained professionals who use proven tactics to minimize or deny your claim. Here are seven tactics every accident victim should watch out for.

Tactic 1: The Fast Lowball Offer

Within days of your accident, an adjuster may call with what sounds like a reasonable offer. Don't be fooled. This offer comes before you know the full extent of your injuries, and it's designed to close your claim cheaply. Many injuries — especially soft tissue damage, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries — take weeks or months to fully manifest.

What to do: Never accept any offer before consulting with a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

Tactic 2: Recorded Statement Traps

Adjusters will ask for a "recorded statement" shortly after the accident. They'll phrase questions to make you contradict yourself or minimize your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you later.

What to do: Politely decline until you have legal representation.

Tactic 3: Blaming Your Pre-Existing Conditions

If you had any prior injuries or medical conditions, the insurer will argue your current pain is from pre-existing issues — not the accident. However, under California's "eggshell plaintiff" doctrine, the at-fault party is responsible for aggravating pre-existing conditions.

Tactic 4: Claiming You Were Partially at Fault

Under California's comparative negligence law, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurers aggressively try to shift blame to you to reduce their payout.

Tactic 5: Delaying Your Claim Until Evidence Disappears

The longer your claim drags on, the harder it becomes to gather evidence. Witnesses forget details, surveillance footage gets deleted, and medical records become less compelling. Some insurers deliberately slow-walk claims hoping you'll give up.

Tactic 6: Using Your Social Media Against You

Insurance investigators monitor your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. A photo of you smiling at a family event can be used to argue you're not really in pain. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context.

What to do: Set all accounts to private and avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or daily activities.

Tactic 7: The "Friendly" Adjuster Building a Case Against You

Some adjusters are exceptionally friendly and sympathetic. They're building rapport so you'll let your guard down and share information they can use against you. Remember: the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you.

Don't Face the Insurance Company Alone — Call (888) 585-2529

At Casa Legal, we level the playing field. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys know every tactic insurers use, and we protect our clients from being taken advantage of. Contact us today for a free consultation.