Adjuster called?
Don’t speak alone.
They’re not trying to help. They’re gathering evidence. Free 5-minute attorney consultation before you say a word.
The phone rang less than 48 hours after your wreck. Here’s why.
You’re on the couch with an ice pack. The ER discharge papers are still on the counter. Your back hurts in a way it didn’t yesterday, and your phone buzzes. The voice on the other end is friendly, professional, sometimes sympathetic.
They are not your friend. They work for the insurance company. Their job, measured in their performance reviews and bonus structure, is to close your claim for as little money as possible. Every word you say in the next ten minutes can be used to reduce what you collect.
The 7 traps adjusters set in the first call
Adjusters are trained on a playbook. Six tactics they use against every Arizona injury victim, plus the clock.
The recorded statement
Arizona law does not require it. Once recorded, every imprecise word becomes locked evidence in your file.
The “how are you?” gambit
You answer “I’m okay” out of politeness. That phrase becomes evidence your injuries weren’t serious.
The blanket medical authorization
Signed without scope, you give insurance access to your entire pre-accident medical history.
The fast lowball offer
$3,000-$7,000 in week 2 to “wrap this up.” Once signed, the case is closed forever.
The MedPay misdirection
Order matters. Sequencing of MedPay vs. health vs. liability vs. UM/UIM affects net recovery and subrogation exposure.
Social media surveillance
A photo of you smiling at a birthday is used to argue you’re exaggerating. Lock down accounts the day of the wreck.
What to actually do when the adjuster calls
Get the adjuster’s name and claim number.
Write them down. Do not give a statement.
Tell them: “I’ll have my attorney contact you.”
That single sentence stops every trap. You don’t owe an explanation.
Hang up.
Don’t negotiate. Don’t give injury details. Don’t promise anything.
Call us.
Free 5-minute consultation. We tell you whether you have a real case and what the adjuster is actually trying to do.
Wood Injury Law took over my case after another firm told me to take a low-ball settlement. They got me significantly more once they actually fought it. Worth every minute.
Questions clients ask on the first call
How much does it cost to hire Wood Injury Law?
Nothing upfront. Contingency fee, paid a percentage of recovery. If we don’t recover, you owe nothing in attorney fees.
How long do I have to file in Arizona?
Two years from the date of the wreck under A.R.S. § 12-542. Government cases require 180-day notice under A.R.S. § 12-821.01.
What if I’m partly at fault?
Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state under A.R.S. § 12-2505. You can still recover, reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the at-fault party had no insurance?
Your own UM/UIM coverage under A.R.S. § 20-259.01 may pay your damages even when the at-fault driver carries no insurance.
What if I had a prior injury?
Arizona follows the eggshell plaintiff doctrine. A wreck that aggravated an existing condition still caused your current injury and is compensable.
How quickly should I call?
Today if you can. Earlier involvement means evidence preservation, no recorded-statement traps, and a clear strategy from day one.