What Not to Say to Insurance Companies After an Accident
No one wants to deal with an insurance company after an accident. It’s time-consuming and frustrating. However, you must file a claim if you wish to pursue a settlement for your medical bills and other expenses.
Although you might think talking to the insurance adjuster isn’t problematic, what you say can have negative ramifications for your claim. They’re not looking out for your interests.
Insurance companies want to avoid paying claims whenever possible. They look for evidence they can use against the injured party. That means they can use your words against you to deny your claim or offer an inadequate settlement.
Below are some phrases you should never say to an insurance company representative after an accident.
“It Was My Fault”
Never tell the insurance adjuster that the accident was your fault. Even if you believe your actions contributed, keep that information to yourself. You don’t know the whole story yet. Another driver might have been texting before the car crash, or a property owner might have known about the dangerous conditions that led to your fall.
Someone else could be liable for your injury. Admitting you probably caused the incident won’t help your case. The insurance company wants to avoid accepting liability for their policyholder. They can deny your claim if you say the accident is your fault.
“I Feel Fine”
One of the first questions the insurance adjuster might ask is about your injuries. They want to know the extent of the injuries you sustained in the accident. Although you might feel okay now, an underlying problem can cause delayed symptoms.
You should never tell the insurance company anything about your physical or mental condition after an accident. They can and will reduce your settlement if your injury appears minor or non-existent.
“I Think…” or “I Believe…”
Making assumptions about an accident isn’t a good idea. You should stick to the facts whenever you speak to the insurance adjuster. If you don’t know the answer to a question they ask, your best option is to say you don’t know.
Speculating about the details of an accident won’t do anything except negatively affect your case. Once you make a statement, it becomes evidence for the insurer to use. You can’t change your story later if you say something that turns out to be inaccurate. The insurance adjuster will assume you’re lying.
“I Accept Your Offer”
An insurance adjuster sometimes offers a settlement shortly after someone files their claim. The offer might be too low to adequately compensate you for your medical treatment and other costs. It’s a tactic to get you to accept an insignificant amount of money.
Remembering the first offer isn’t always the best offer is crucial. You don’t have to accept the settlement on the table. You have the right to negotiate for a higher number if you believe you deserve more.
“Yes, I Can Provide a Statement”
The at-fault party’s insurance carrier might ask you to give a recorded statement. That allows them to record what you say during a conversation with them about the accident. You don’t have to provide one.
Submitting a recorded statement gives the insurance company evidence they might be able to use against you if you say something damaging. The questions they ask can be purposely confusing or vague, so you give answers they can twist around to work in their favor.
Contact The Mandel Law Firm Today
At The Mandel Law Firm, we believe in protecting the rights of injured clients in NYC. Our personal injury lawyers have successfully represented accident victims in personal injury claims for decades. When you hire us, we will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you were hurt in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, call us today at (646) 779-1441 for a confidential consultation.