The Adjuster’s Playbook—And How I Shut It Down
Within 24–48 hours of a Montana crash, an adjuster will usually call, ask for a “quick recorded
statement,” and send over a broad medical release; that’s not customer service—that’s the start of a
playbook designed to shrink your claim. I’ve watched solid cases lose leverage because of a single
offhand comment (“I’m okay”), a twoweek gap in treatment while someone tried to tough it out, or a
harmlesslooking social post that insurers spun into “proof” you weren’t hurt; none of that reflects your
true pain or limitations, but it gives the carrier the storyline they want.
Add rural realities—wildlife collisions, gravel and ice, long drives to providers—and you’ve got more
opportunities for insurers to argue partial fault or “noncompliance” with care; we shut that down with
controlled communications, airtight documentation, and a coverageaware strategy from day one.
In this guide, I detail the ten most expensive mistakes I see Montanans make after accidents, explain
exactly why each mistake costs you money, and give you simple scripts and countermoves you can use
immediately. If you follow this playbook—decline recorded statements, avoid blanket medical releases,
prioritize consistent treatment, preserve evidence, and let me handle the insurer—you’ll keep control of
your story and your case value.
The 10 Critical Mistakes (And What To Do Instead)
- Recorded statements without counsel → Decline; provide written facts via my office.
- Broad medical releases → Limited, relevant records only, produced by us with context.
- Delays or gaps in treatment → Get evaluated immediately; follow the plan.
- Social media posts → Pause posting; tighten privacy; never discuss the crash or health.
- Accepting the first offer → Wait for MMI/stable prognosis; present full valuation.
- Poor documentation → Journal pain/limits; track costs, mileage, and missed work.
- DIY complex coverage (UM/UIM, multiple policies) → Coverage audit by my team.
- Missing deadlines → We calendar all notices and limitations early.
- Disposing of evidence → Preserve vehicle and EDR; photograph everything.
- Ignoring mental health → Get evaluated; ensure records reflect functional impact.
Scripts You Can Use (Copy/Paste)
- If we represent you – “I’m represented by Duckworth Law; please contact my attorney.”
- “I’m not comfortable giving a recorded statement.”
- “We’ll provide relevant medical records through counsel.”
What A Strong Demand Package Includes
- Liability proof (photos, EDR, witness statements), complete medical narrative, wage loss and
future care estimates, and lien status; we present it coherently to minimize insurer “room to
argue.”
Montana-Specific Pitfalls
- Wildlife strike ambiguity, gravel/ice conditions, and rural provider delays create insurer
skepticism; we close gaps with weather information, road maintenance records, and timely
follow-ups.
Case Snapshot (Hypothetical)
- Rear-end in snow with delayed symptoms; client gave a recorded “I’m okay” and posted a ski
photo. We could rehabilitate the record with medical timelines and context, but it cost months
and leverage—avoid this by calling me first.
You don’t have to outargue an adjuster to win—you just have to stop making their job easy: no recorded
statements, no blanket releases, no social posts, no gaps in care, and no early “peace of mind”
settlements that ignore future treatment and lasting limitations. When my office controls
communications, builds a medically consistent record, audits UM/UIM and MedPay, and times the
demand to strength—not speed—the negotiation changes, and so do the numbers.
If an insurer is already calling, loop me in before you say another word; I’ll take the calls, protect your rights, and drive the claim toward a fair resolution while you focus on getting better. Free consultation, no fee unless we win—let’s take the leverage back.