You just got home from the hospital. You’re in pain, overwhelmed, and worried about how you’ll pay your bills. Then your phone rings. It’s the rideshare company’s insurance adjuster. They sound polite—even sympathetic. They say they just need a few details to “move your claim forward.”
But that friendly voice is not on your side.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft train their insurance teams to protect one thing: the company’s profits. Not your recovery. Not your family. And definitely not your legal rights.
That’s why Tennessee rideshare attorney Pete Olson urges injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians to be extremely cautious about speaking to an adjuster, especially before talking to a lawyer.
What’s Really Going on When the Adjuster Calls?
Insurance adjusters aren’t just gathering information—they’re building a case against you. The more you say, the more they can use later to limit or deny your claim or offer bad faith claims.
These adjusters are professional negotiators hired to reduce the amount their company has to pay out. Every question they ask has a purpose, and it’s not to help you. Here are a few tactics they may use to try to minimize or deny your claim:
- They record your statements. Anything you say, even casual comments, can be used to challenge your claim later.
- They push for quick settlements. These offers may seem generous at first, but they often cover only a fraction of your total losses.
- They downplay your injuries. If you say you're “feeling better,” that phrase can be twisted into “no longer injured.”
- They look for contradictions. If your story changes—even slightly—they may use it to argue you’re not credible.
Why Talking to a Lawyer First Changes Everything
Legal representation isn’t just about filing paperwork—it’s about protecting you from tactics designed to make you settle for less than you deserve. A lawyer becomes your voice in all insurance interactions.
How a Legal Advocate Helps Shield You From Insurance Tactics
When you hire a Tennessee rideshare attorney, you don’t just get someone to fill out forms. You get a barrier between you and the insurance company. A lawyer can provide:
- Protection from manipulative questioning. Your attorney handles communications with adjusters, so you don’t risk saying something that can be taken out of context.
- Fair valuation of your damages. Lawyers know what your case is truly worth, including medical bills, future care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Documentation of evidence. Pete Olson’s team can collect and preserve time-sensitive evidence from the crash, like rideshare app data, driver logs, or traffic camera footage.
- Negotiation power. Insurance companies take your claim more seriously when they know you’re represented.
Common Traps Used by Rideshare Insurance Adjusters
Many injury victims make avoidable mistakes because they assume the insurance company is trying to help. Recognizing these tactics early can prevent serious harm to your claim.
Insurance Red Flags
Insurance adjusters often follow predictable patterns. Watch out for these tactics:
- “We just need a quick statement.” It sounds harmless, but it’s a recorded interview that could be used to discredit you later.
- “We accept some responsibility.” This vague language is designed to lull you into complacency while avoiding liability.
- “You don’t need a lawyer.” If they say this, it's because they know a lawyer will cost them more money—not you.
- “This offer is only good today.” False urgency is a classic pressure tactic to get you to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- “You were partially at fault, right?” Adjusters may fish for anything to reduce your payout under Tennessee’s comparative fault laws.
Why Rideshare Claims Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Accidents
At first glance, a rideshare crash might seem like any other vehicle collision. But these cases often involve multiple insurance layers, each with different limits and exclusions. Uber and Lyft carry substantial insurance policies, but only under certain conditions. Which policy applies depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App off. The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, no passenger. Limited liability coverage applies.
- Passenger in the car or on the way to pick up. Uber’s $1 million policy may apply.
Unraveling these layers—and determining who pays—requires an understanding of both Tennessee insurance law and the specific rideshare company’s terms. Pete Olson’s team knows how to interpret these policies and make sure insurance companies apply the correct one.
What If the Adjuster Already Called Me?
If you’ve already spoken to a rideshare adjuster, you’re not alone. Many people talk to insurance companies before they realize what’s at stake, but you still have options to protect yourself.
How to Protect Your Claim
If you’ve already answered the phone or made a statement, don’t assume the damage is done. You may have made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean you’ve forfeited your rights. Take these steps to protect your rights:
- Avoid further contact. Don’t return calls or respond to emails from the adjuster without legal advice.
- Document everything. Save voicemails, emails, and letters. Write down what you remember from any conversations.
- Call an attorney. The sooner you get help, the more control you’ll have over the direction of your case.
A Wrong Word Today Could Cost You Tomorrow
After a serious rideshare crash, your health should come first. But your financial future matters too. When you’re dealing with corporate insurance teams trained to protect profits, you need someone who’s ready to fight for you.
That’s exactly what Pete Olson Injury Law does. With nearly 30 years of experience standing up to insurance companies, Pete and his team know how to push back against adjusters who try to shift blame, minimize your injuries, or rush you into a lowball settlement.
Your words matter. And so does your silence—especially when it keeps the insurance company from twisting your story.