You’ve just been in an accident in Dallas or Fort Worth. You’re shaken up, your car’s damaged, and before you can even catch your breath, your phone rings.
It’s the insurance adjuster. They sound sympathetic:
“We just want to hear your side.”
“We’ll help you get this taken care of quickly.”
“If you can give a short statement, we can process your claim right away.”
But here’s the truth — that call isn’t about helping you recover, it’s about helping them save money.
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals. Their mission is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, not your physical, emotional, or financial recovery.
At Rad Law Firm, we’ve handled thousands of cases where good people in Texas made honest statements that adjusters twisted into reasons to deny or reduce their claim.
Before you say a single word to an adjuster, read this carefully. It could protect your case — and your future.
Why Insurance Companies Call So Fast
Insurance companies move fast after accidents because they want to control the story before you have a chance to talk to an attorney.
They know that right after a crash, you’re:
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Stressed and possibly medicated,
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Unsure about your legal rights,
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Worried about bills, and
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Eager to get things “over with.”
That’s when they strike.
Their real goals:
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Get your recorded statement — so they can use your words later.
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Push a quick settlement — before you realize how much your injuries will cost.
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Find inconsistencies — so they can argue you’re exaggerating or partly at fault.
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Access your medical history — so they can claim your pain was “pre-existing.”
In other words, they’re not investigating for your benefit — they’re preparing their defense.
Texas Law: Understanding Comparative Negligence
Unlike Maryland’s harsh contributory rule, Texas follows “modified comparative negligence.”
That means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault — as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the crash.
However, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
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Example: If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you receive $70,000.
Adjusters know this law well. They’ll try to get you to admit just enough fault to reduce your recovery.
A single word like “maybe” or “I didn’t see them coming” can be all it takes.
What Happens When You Talk to the Adjuster Alone
1. They Record Your Statement
The moment you agree to a “short conversation,” the adjuster begins recording — and every word is fair game in court or negotiations.
2. They Twist Your Words
You say, “I’m feeling better today.” They’ll argue your injuries healed quickly and you don’t need future treatment.
3. They Pressure You Into Signing Documents
That “medical release form” isn’t harmless. It often gives them permission to dig through your entire medical history to find excuses.
4. They Offer a Fast, Low Settlement
They might offer a check within days — but once you cash it, your claim is over. Even if your medical bills triple later, you can’t reopen the case.
5. They Delay or Deny Legitimate Claims
If you push back, they stall — hoping financial stress forces you to settle for less. A Dallas injury attorney ensures that doesn’t happen.
How a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer Protects You
When you hire an attorney, everything changes. The insurance company must communicate through your lawyer — not you. That alone removes 90% of their leverage.
Here’s what your Rad Law Firm attorney does for you:
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Takes over all contact with insurers immediately.
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Investigates your accident, gathering police reports, witness statements, dash-cam footage, and scene evidence.
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Documents your injuries through trusted Texas medical professionals.
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Calculates total damages, including lost income, pain and suffering, and future care.
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Negotiates aggressively for maximum settlement value.
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Files suit if necessary — proving you’re not afraid to go to court.
Insurance companies treat claims with attorneys very differently than those without. They know Rad Law Firm’s reputation — and that we don’t settle for less than our clients deserve.
Adjuster Tactics Every Texas Driver Should Recognize
| What They Say | What They Mean | What Your Lawyer Does |
|---|---|---|
| “We just want to get your statement on record.” | They’re gathering evidence to use against you. | Provides a written, lawyer-reviewed statement only. |
| “This is just standard paperwork.” | Hidden clauses give them broad access to records. | Reviews and rejects unfair forms before signing. |
| “You don’t need an attorney — that will just slow things down.” | They fear an experienced lawyer will expose their tactics. | Takes control immediately and pushes for a fair resolution. |
| “We can send you a check right now.” | A lowball offer meant to close your case cheaply. | Calculates the real value before any settlement discussions. |
| “We’re still investigating your claim.” | A stalling tactic to frustrate you. | Sets deadlines and pressures them to act or face litigation. |
The Texas Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Too Long
Under Texas law (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003), most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident.
However, you should never wait that long to get legal help. Critical evidence — such as surveillance footage, skid marks, and witness recollection — can vanish within days.
A Dallas personal injury lawyer can begin protecting your case immediately, sending legal preservation letters to ensure evidence isn’t destroyed.
Common Accidents Where Adjusters Strike First
Adjusters tend to move quickest in these cases across Dallas–Fort Worth:
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Car and truck accidents on I-35, I-30, or LBJ Freeway
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Rideshare crashes (Uber, Lyft, delivery vehicles)
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Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks and parking lots
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Slip and fall injuries at stores, restaurants, or apartment complexes
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Dog bites and premises liability claims
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Motorcycle crashes across Dallas County and Tarrant County
If you’ve been injured in any of these situations, don’t return the call — call your lawyer first.
How a Dallas Accident Lawyer Calculates the Value of Your Case
Insurance companies love to act like your claim is worth only your medical bills. In reality, a serious injury can affect nearly every part of your life.
A skilled Texas injury lawyer includes every category of loss:
Economic Damages
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Emergency medical care, surgeries, and hospital bills
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and future earning potential
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Property damage (vehicle, electronics, personal items)
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of quality of life
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Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
When a driver’s conduct is reckless — such as drunk driving, distracted driving, or speeding through a school zone — Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish and deter that behavior.
Rad Law Firm fights to ensure every dollar you’ve lost and every hardship you’ve endured is accounted for.
Case Example: From $8,000 to $210,000
A Fort Worth driver was rear-ended at a stoplight. The at-fault driver’s insurer offered $8,000 and claimed the injuries were “minor.”
After hiring Rad Law Firm, our team obtained the black-box data, consulted medical experts, and proved the victim suffered a disc injury requiring long-term care.
Final settlement: $210,000.
That’s the power of having an experienced Dallas accident lawyer who knows the insurance companies’ tactics inside and out.
What To Do If the Insurance Adjuster Calls
If you haven’t yet hired an attorney and the adjuster reaches out:
✅ Do This
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Get their name, company, and contact information.
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Politely say, “I’m consulting an attorney who will contact you.”
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End the call — don’t engage in small talk or answer questions.
🚫 Don’t Do This
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Don’t guess or speculate about what happened.
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Don’t discuss your injuries or medical condition.
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Don’t agree to be recorded.
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Don’t sign any forms or accept checks without legal advice.
Even a casual, friendly chat can become evidence used against you later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident in Texas?
Yes, especially if you’re injured. Minor crashes often cause hidden soft-tissue injuries or concussions. An attorney ensures you aren’t shortchanged.
What if the insurance company already made me an offer?
Never accept an offer until you’ve finished treatment and had your claim reviewed by a lawyer. Most early offers are far below fair value.
Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes — as long as you were less than 51% responsible under Texas’s comparative negligence rule. Your recovery will be reduced accordingly.
How much does it cost to hire Rad Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What if I already gave a statement to the adjuster?
Call us immediately. We can still protect your claim, control further communication, and counter any statements used against you.
Why You Should Never Rush to Settle
Insurance companies often use delay tactics followed by sudden urgency:
“We just want to wrap this up before the end of the month.”
They hope financial stress will make you accept a low offer.
But once you sign the settlement, you can’t reopen the claim — no matter how severe your injuries become later.
A Dallas injury attorney makes sure the insurer pays for the entire picture, not just what’s convenient for them.
The Local Advantage: Why Dallas–Fort Worth Victims Trust Rad Law Firm
Not all personal injury firms understand how Texas insurers operate locally.
Rad Law Firm has handled cases across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, and beyond for over 30 years.
We know the adjusters. We know the defense firms. We know the judges.
That experience means we know how to push the right buttons — and when to take a case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.
How Rad Law Firm Fights for You
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Free Case Review – We evaluate your accident and explain your rights.
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Immediate Protection – All insurance communication stops once we step in.
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Investigation & Documentation – We gather police reports, scene photos, witness statements, and medical records.
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Aggressive Negotiation – We handle all settlement discussions with the insurer.
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Trial Readiness – If the insurer refuses fair payment, we file suit and fight in court.
We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured Texans — and we don’t back down when powerful insurance companies try to underpay.
What You Risk by Handling It Alone
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Saying something that reduces your claim.
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Missing crucial evidence or witness statements.
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Accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover long-term medical care.
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Letting the statute of limitations expire.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you. Level the playing field by having Rad Law Firm on your side.
Key Takeaways for Texas Accident Victims
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Never give a recorded statement without a lawyer.
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Never sign medical authorizations from the insurer.
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Don’t post about your accident or injuries on social media.
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Always consult an experienced injury attorney first — it costs nothing, but could save your entire claim.
Conclusion: Don’t Face the Insurance Company Alone
Insurance adjusters are professionals at saving their companies money — not protecting your future.
One wrong word can cost you thousands.
Let Rad Law Firm handle the adjuster, the paperwork, and the fight — while you focus on healing.
With over 35 years of experience helping accident victims in Dallas–Fort Worth, we know how to hold insurance companies accountable and win maximum compensation.
Call (972) 661-1111 today for a free consultation.
No fees unless we win. No excuses. Just results.