Inside the Insurance Playbook
If you’ve been hurt in Southwest Washington, you may already be dealing with scripted calls and quick settlement offers. These tactics are designed to close your case before you know the full cost. At Dalton Law, we’ve seen these strategies for years—and we know how to counter them.
Why Insurance Adjusters Call So Quickly
An insurance adjuster may sound helpful. They are not. In Vancouver and counties like Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz, their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, not your recovery. Within days of a crash you may get a call that feels supportive, but the questions are scripted. The adjuster is framing the story in their favor and working to close your claim before the full impact is known. See our guide to comparative negligence for more on how fault is divided in Washington.
Quick Answers to Common Questions After an Accident
Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
No. In Washington, anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. Always get advice before speaking with an adjuster.
What if the offer seems fair to me?
Early offers from insurers almost never reflect the true cost. A lawyer calculates treatment, lost wages, and long-term effects so you do not settle for less.
How long do I have to decide?
In Washington, most accident victims have three years to file a claim. Do not let an adjuster rush you into signing away your rights in the first week. Having a lawyer on board right away, however, will help you secure your rights and get what you need.
Do I have to pay upfront to hire a lawyer?
No. In Vancouver and throughout Washington, personal injury lawyers work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
The Real Cost of Quick Cash
The first offer almost always looks tempting. A check in your hands feels like relief, but that money rarely covers what lies ahead. Future medical care, months of physical therapy, and lost income from missed work are often left out.
Nicole’s Take: Why Speed Favors Insurers
Settling quickly almost always benefits the insurer, not you. Evidence disappears fast. Dashcam footage is often erased within 30 days. Hidden injuries can take weeks to appear and months to reach stability. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back. Acting quickly with a lawyer gives you a chance to preserve evidence, understand the full scope of your needs, and avoid being locked into a settlement that leaves you paying the price. You can read more in our full guide to preserving accident evidence.
Nicole was not intimidated and she fought for me with an amazing sense of justice. She never gave up on me, even when others would have.
— Ronni, 2018
How We Counter the Playbook
Our job is to take away the adjuster’s control of the story. We secure evidence before it vanishes, from crash scene photos to medical records. We handle the calls so you are not pressured into saying something that will be used against you. Most importantly, we build the full picture of your losses, from the first medical bill to the long-term effects on your work and home life. Learn more about how case value is calculated in Washington.
What You Can Do Now
Before you sign anything, document what you can: take photos of your injuries, save all bills, and keep a record of conversations with insurers. Talk to a lawyer as early as possible so evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. These simple steps protect your right to the full recovery you deserve.
Your Next Step
You do not have to let an insurance company control your story. If you were hurt in Vancouver, Portland, or anywhere in Southwest Washington, call me at (360) 213-0013 for a free case strategy session. We will preserve the evidence, calculate your true needs, and begin the fight for your recovery so you can focus on healing.