6 Lies Insurance Adjusters May Tell You After a Car Accident in Colorado

After a car accident in Colorado Springs, your focus is likely on your recovery, the well-being of your loved ones, and getting your life back on track. During this stressful period, insurance adjusters may reach out to offer support and guidance. They often present themselves as helpful professionals ready to “take care of everything.” But it’s important to understand that their loyalty lies with the insurance company—not with you.

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose goal is to protect the company’s bottom line. To do this, they may use misleading statements, pressure tactics, or subtle manipulation to minimize your payout. At Pribila & Fields, we’ve seen countless clients shortchanged by trusting an insurance representative too soon. Below, we expose six common lies—or half-truths—adjusters use and explain how you can guard yourself from falling into these traps.

1. “You Don’t Need a Lawyer—We’ll Take Care of Everything”

This may be the most frequent line an adjuster will deliver after a crash. It’s designed to create a false sense of ease and convince you that legal representation is unnecessary. What they’re not telling you is that having a lawyer levels the playing field. Without one, you are far more vulnerable to being rushed into an unfair agreement or pressured into making damaging statements.

An experienced attorney doesn’t just represent you—they uncover every category of damages you may be entitled to, coordinate expert evaluations, and shield you from unfair tactics. If an adjuster is urging you not to hire legal help, it’s likely because they know you’d receive more with someone advocating on your behalf.

2. “This Is the Best Offer You’ll Get—Take It or Leave It”

The first settlement offer is almost never the best one. Still, adjusters may suggest that you won’t receive anything better if you don’t accept it quickly. This tactic preys on your financial stress. Medical bills, car repairs, and lost income can make quick cash appealing, but accepting a lowball offer can cost you significantly in the long run.

Insurance companies know that once you settle, you typically waive your right to pursue any further compensation—even if new injuries or expenses emerge. A lawyer can assess the offer’s fairness, negotiate from a position of strength, and ensure that you’re compensated for both present and future losses related to your accident.

3. “You Have to Give a Recorded Statement Right Now”

Insurance adjusters often pressure victims into giving a recorded statement immediately following a crash. They may claim it’s required to process your claim or that it’s standard procedure. While giving a recorded statement may be necessary for your own insurer in some cases, it’s rarely required for the other driver’s insurance—and it's never something you should do without legal advice.

These statements can be used to twist your words or portray your injuries as less severe. Even innocent remarks like “I’m feeling okay” can be used to downplay your condition later. Politely decline and consult an attorney who can speak on your behalf or help you prepare a safe and accurate statement.

4. “You Were Partially at Fault, So You Might Not Be Eligible for Compensation”

Adjusters may suggest that your own actions—like speeding slightly or failing to use a turn signal—make you ineligible for compensation. This tactic relies on your lack of familiarity with Colorado law.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. If you're deemed 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. Even so, you still have a valid claim.

Letting an attorney handle fault assessments ensures your share of responsibility is not exaggerated or inaccurately applied, as insurers will often attempt to shift as much blame as possible onto you.

5. “We Can’t Pay for That—It’s Not Covered”

Insurance adjusters may insist that certain damages—like future surgeries, physical therapy, or emotional trauma—aren’t covered. They may even attempt to misrepresent the policy’s limits or scope. This is especially common when dealing with long-term care, lost future wages, or pain and suffering.

In truth, many of these costs are compensable depending on the circumstances of your accident and the coverage available. An attorney can review your policy, evaluate all areas of loss, and fight back when insurers misrepresent what’s covered. Don’t accept their interpretation as fact—seek a second opinion from someone who’s truly in your corner.

6. “You Don’t Need to See a Doctor If You’re Not in Pain Right Now”

Some injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding—may not present symptoms for hours or even days after the crash. Still, an insurance adjuster may downplay your need for medical evaluation if you didn’t go straight to the emergency room or if you’re not experiencing immediate pain.

Delaying treatment can not only worsen your physical condition but also harm your legal claim. Insurance companies will argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Seeing a medical professional right away creates the documentation needed to link your injuries to the crash and support your claim for compensation.

Contact Us Today to Protect Your Rights After an Accident

You don’t have to deal with insurance companies on your own. At Pribila & Fields, we know how these tactics work—and we know how to stop them. Our Colorado Springs legal team is committed to helping injury victims receive fair treatment, full compensation, and the peace of mind they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and take swift action to protect your interests. Let us help you secure the outcome you truly deserve.