Accidents move fast. This guide doesn't. Every step below is attorney-reviewed and specific to New York City, New York law — so you don't miss what matters.
After a NYC accident, expect calls within 48–72 hours from multiple adjusters: your own no-fault carrier, the at-fault driver's insurer, and possibly subrogation departments. Each has different motivations, and how you handle each call directly affects your recovery.
Here's how to handle each adjuster call after a NYC accident:
- Your own insurer (no-fault PIP): Cooperate reasonably — file the NF-2, provide medical bills, and keep records. You don't need to give a recorded statement; written cooperation is sufficient.
- At-fault driver's insurer: No legal obligation to speak with them. Politely decline and refer to your attorney.
- Subrogation/health insurance carrier: They may be entitled to lien information after settlement; defer to your attorney.
- Once you have an attorney: All adjuster contact must legally route through your attorney's office.
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What You're Experiencing
Multiple adjusters from different companies are calling you, sometimes daily. They want recorded statements, settlement discussions, or 'just to check in.' You're feeling overwhelmed and unsure who you have to talk to.
What This Likely Means
- If your own insurer is calling → They need cooperation for your no-fault PIP claim (legitimate)
- If the at-fault driver's insurer is calling → They have no legal claim to your time; politely decline
- If a subrogation department is calling → They want to recover what your health insurance paid out
- If the calls feel high-pressure → That's the playbook; insurers settle cheaper before victims understand the no-fault system
Your Options
You Can Do This
- •Send a written notice that all communication should go through your attorney
- •Document every adjuster call: date, time, name, claim number, what was discussed
- •Cooperate reasonably with your own insurer (PIP) — provide medical bills, keep records
- •Decline all recorded statement requests from the opposing insurer
Attorney Handles
- •Becomes the single point of contact for all insurer communication
- •Negotiates timing and form of any required statements
- •Files DFS complaints if the adjuster is engaging in bad-faith tactics
- •Coordinates with multiple insurers to maximize recovery
Avoid Doing This
- •Don't give multiple inconsistent accounts to different adjusters
- •Don't post about the accident or your physical activity on social media
- •Don't accept settlement offers before medical prognosis is complete
- •Don't sign anything without attorney review
What This Typically Costs
NYC PI attorneys typically work on contingency — no fee unless you recover. The fee is usually 1/3 of the settlement amount.
When to Call a Professional
Contact an attorney immediately if any of these apply:
- 1
If the adjuster is calling 5+ times per week → Document and refer to attorney; this is harassment.
- 2
If they're threatening claim denial for declining a recorded statement → File DFS complaint.
- 3
If they're offering 'final' settlement before MMI → Decline. Premature settlements are the most common way victims get underpaid.
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Get Free Case Review →Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical adjuster call frequency | 3-7 calls in first 2 weeks | NYC PI industry observation |
| NF-2 cooperation duty (own insurer) | Reasonable cooperation; written acceptable | NY Insurance Law Art. 51 |
| Duty to opposing insurer | None | NY common law |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1
Mistake #1: Answering every adjuster call to be 'helpful.'
Adjusters log every call and every comment. The more conversations you have, the more material they have to dispute your claim.
- 2
Mistake #2: Confusing your own insurer with the opposing insurer.
They have different rights to information. Your own insurer needs basic claim cooperation; the opposing insurer is essentially the defense team's investigative arm.
- 3
Mistake #3: Discussing the accident in social media posts after adjuster contact.
Adjusters routinely review claimants' social media for inconsistent statements, photos showing physical activity, or comments minimizing the crash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just stop answering the adjuster's calls?▼
If it's the at-fault driver's insurer, yes — you have no obligation to speak with them. If it's your own insurer (for the no-fault claim), refusing all communication can affect your PIP claim. Better practice: respond once in writing stating that all communication should go through your attorney.
What if the adjuster threatens to deny my claim?▼
Adjusters cannot legally deny a claim solely because you refused a recorded statement. If your own insurer threatens denial for inadequate cooperation, document the threat in writing and consult an attorney immediately. NY DFS at dfs.ny.gov accepts complaints about bad-faith claims handling.
Sources & Citations
Related New York City Accident Guides
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