What to Know Before Speaking With an Insurance Adjuster After an Injury
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Before you give a recorded statement after a Charleston injury, understand what is at stake and how to protect yourself.
Informational purposes only. This article discusses a recent news event and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact Traywick Law Offices for a free evaluation.
The Incident
A North Charleston woman was rear-ended on I-26 near the Montague Avenue interchange on a Tuesday morning in May 2026. Her car was totaled. She went to the emergency room that afternoon with neck and back pain. By the following morning — before she had spoken to an attorney or received a single medical bill — her phone rang. It was a claims representative from the at-fault driver's insurance company. The adjuster was friendly, expressed concern about her injuries, and asked if she would agree to a "quick recorded statement" so they could "get the claim moving as fast as possible." She hesitated. She was right to.
What South Carolina Law Says
South Carolina law does not require an injured person to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. While your own insurer may require cooperation under your policy, the at-fault party's carrier has no such leverage. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions, request medical authorizations that let them fish through unrelated health records, and offer quick, low settlements before the full extent of injuries is known.
Your Rights and Options
The best response to a request for a recorded statement is polite but firm: "I am not prepared to give a statement at this time." Then contact an attorney. If you do speak with an adjuster, stick to basic facts (date, time, location) and avoid speculating about fault, speed, or injuries. Never agree to a recorded statement without counsel, and never sign a medical authorization for the opposing insurer.
What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases
I protect injured clients by handling all insurer communications from day one. I review the adjuster's questions in advance, object to improper inquiries, and ensure the client does not inadvertently damage their case. I also evaluate whether the insurer's conduct crosses into bad faith — unreasonably delaying the claim, misrepresenting coverage, or ignoring clear liability.
How Opposing Parties Will Fight Back
Insurance companies argue the injured party exaggerated their injuries, that pre-existing conditions caused the pain, or that the victim's own negligence contributed to the accident. They use gaps in medical treatment and social media posts to argue the injuries are not serious. A consistent medical record and early legal representation are the strongest counters to these tactics.
Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices
Traywick Law Offices represents injured South Carolinians in personal injury and car accident claims. We deal with adjusters so you don't have to. If you have been injured in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, or the Lowcountry, contact us before speaking to the other party's insurance company.
Has a Similar Incident Affected You?
I offer free consultations. Call or visit the contact page — I'll personally review your situation.