Sneaky Tricks Insurance Adjusters Use in Bicycle Accident
Injury Claims (And How to Protect Yourself)

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, navigating the claims process can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters—who work for insurance companies, not for you—may use sneaky tricks to reduce or deny your compensation. Their job is to save their company money, and they often employ subtle tactics to do so, especially when dealing with vulnerable cyclists.

This guide uncovers the most common tricks insurance adjusters use in bicycle accident injury claims and explains how to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Why Bicycle Accident Injury Claims Are Challenging

Cyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road, and the injuries from bike accidents can be severe. However, insurance companies often try to shift blame or downplay injuries, taking advantage of cyclists who don’t fully understand their rights.

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How to strengthen your Bicycle Accident Case

What You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident To strengthen your claim and protect yourself from insurance company tactics:

Call the police and file an accident report.

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.

Document the scene: take photos, gather witness contact information, and keep damaged gear.

Do not admit fault or discuss the accident in detail with anyone except your lawyer.

Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed statements.

Consult a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accidents.

If you are aware of the most frequent tricks, you can be better poised to push back.

Its Pressuring You to Give a Recorded Statement.

Adjusters often will request a recorded statement saying it’s “routine” or “necessary.” In truth, they're looking for:

Inconsistencies in your story

Admissions of fault

Statements that downplay your injuries

Something as simple and innocent as “I’m feeling better today”
could even be turned against you later.

Acting Like They're On Your Side

One of the most deceptive tricks adjusters use is pretending to be friendly and helpful. They may encourage you not to hire a lawyer and promise a quick, fair settlement.

Why it's a trick: Their goal is to settle fast and cheap—often before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Protect yourself: Always consult a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement or giving a recorded statement.

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Requesting a Recorded Statement Early

Insurance adjusters often ask victims to provide a recorded statement shortly after the accident.

Why it's a trick: They want to catch you off guard. Anything you say—such as "I'm feeling okay"—can be used later to downplay your injuries.

Protect yourself: Politely decline to provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Downplaying Your Injuries

Adjusters may argue that your injuries are minor or not related to the accident.

Why it's a trick: This minimizes the value of your claim. They may even review your social media to find “evidence” that you’re not as hurt as you say.

Protect yourself: Keep detailed medical records and avoid posting on social media about your condition.

Delaying the Process

Delaying your claim is a common strategy used to frustrate and exhaust victims.

Why it's a trick: Adjusters hope that the delay will pressure you into accepting a low settlement, especially if you’re struggling financially.

Protect yourself: Have a lawyer push for timely responses and file a lawsuit if necessary to prevent stalling tactics.

Offering a Quick Settlement

Soon after the accident, you may receive a settlement offer that seems generous.

Why it's a trick: Quick offers are almost always lowball offers. Insurance companies want you to settle before you understand the full impact of your injuries and long-term medical needs.

Protect yourself: Never accept the first offer. Get a medical evaluation and consult a legal expert to determine the true value of your claim.

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Using Contributory or Comparative Negligence Against You

Insurance companies often argue that you were partially at fault—for example, by not wearing a helmet or riding outside a bike lane.

Why it's a trick: In many states, if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced—or eliminated entirely.

Protect yourself: Document the scene, talk to witnesses, and hire a lawyer to challenge any false claims of shared fault.

Disputing Medical Treatment as "Unnecessary"

Adjusters may question the necessity or duration of your treatment to lower the payout.

Why it's a trick: They often rely on internal “reviewers” who have never examined you in person to determine what is or isn’t appropriate care.

Protect yourself: Follow your doctor's treatment plan and keep records of all visits, prescriptions, and recommendations.

Misinterpreting or Twisting Your Words

Anything you say—on the phone, in emails, or in a recorded statement can be used against you later.

Why it's a trick: Adjusters are trained to lead conversations and subtly get you to say things that hurt your claim.

Protect yourself: Keep communications brief, factual, and preferably in writing. Let your attorney handle the talking when possible.

Conclusion: Don’t Fall for These Tricks

Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to pay out as little as possible—even if that means denying valid claims. Understanding the sneaky tricks they use in bicycle accident injury claims is the first step toward protecting yourself.

With the help of a qualified attorney, proper documentation, and careful communication, you can avoid being taken advantage of and receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY

Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

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