When life takes an unexpected turn—whether it’s property damage, a workplace injury, or another serious incident—most people find themselves making a phone call they’ve been dreading: the first call to their insurance company.
On the surface, it seems simple enough. You report what happened, answer a few questions, and expect the company you’ve paid premiums to for years to step up and help. But in reality, that first call can be a trap.
As a Fairhope Insurance Claim Attorney serving Gulf Shores, Foley, Mobile, and all of Baldwin County, I’ve seen too many good people shortchanged because of what they said—or didn’t say—during that very first conversation. Let’s break down why that call matters so much and how you can protect yourself.
Why the First Call Matters More Than You Think
Insurance companies aren’t charities. They are businesses designed to protect their bottom line. That means their adjusters are trained to:
- Record your statements to limit liability.
- Search for technicalities or inconsistencies to cancel coverage.
- Push quick settlements that sound helpful but undervalue your real needs.
They may sound friendly, but they are not on your side. Their mission is to save the company money—not protect your future.
The Mistakes That Cost People Thousands
Here are some of the most common errors people make on their first insurance call:
- Saying “I’m fine” when injuries or problems may appear later.
- Volunteering too much detail or speculating about what caused the incident.
- Accepting partial blame, even casually.
- Sharing information on social media that the insurer later uses against them.
Signing or agreeing to an early settlement without advice from a Baldwin County Law Firm.
Each of these missteps can drastically reduce the compensation you’re entitled to.
How to Handle the First Call Wisely
If you find yourself on the phone with an insurer, here are key steps to protect yourself:
- Stay Calm and Stick to the Basics
Provide only the necessary facts. Avoid long explanations or speculation. - Don’t Minimize the Impact
Whether it’s injuries or property damage, don’t downplay what happened. What feels minor today could grow into a serious issue later. - Don’t Accept Fault Prematurely
Liability is rarely as simple as it seems in the moment. Leave that determination to investigators and legal professionals. - Be Wary of “Friendly” Questions
Seemingly harmless inquiries like “Who else lives in your home?” can later be used against you.
Call an Experienced Local Attorney First
Before you speak to your insurance company, call someone who knows the system and can prepare you.
Why Having a Local Advocate Matters
At The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, we’ve spent over 25 years helping people in Baldwin County and Mobile County navigate these challenges. We know the adjusters’ tactics because we’ve seen them used time and time again against our neighbors.
Our promise is faith-driven, fearless advocacy. We treat every client like family, standing up to powerful companies to make sure good people get a fair chance at justice.
You Don’t Have to Face Insurance Companies Alone
When you hire us, you’re not just getting legal help—you’re getting a team who will:
- Handle every communication with the insurance company.
- Investigate and document the full scope of your losses.
- Push back against lowball settlement offers and fight for fair compensation.
Guide you through the process so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Take Back Control of the First Call
If you’re about to speak with your insurance company, don’t do it unprepared—and don’t do it alone.
📞 Call us today at (251) 928-5588 for a free case evaluation.
🌐 Visit us online: https://dasingerdefense.com/personal-injury
📍 Offices in Fairhope and Foley, proudly serving all of Baldwin County.
At The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, we’re here to protect your rights, your family, and your future.
Content checked by Brian A. Dasinger, personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger.
Brian Dasinger is the founder of The Law Offices of Brian A. Dasinger, a trusted law firm serving clients throughout Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama. Since 2005, Brian has built a practice known for compassion, courtroom strength, and relentless advocacy.
With experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Brian brings a powerful perspective to personal injury and criminal defense cases. He’s been recognized among Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Brian stands ready to fight for your future.