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What Not to Say to Your Insurance Claims Adjuster

by Richard J. Banta | Mar 10, 2020 | Uncategorized

Car Accident Lawyer

After an accident, you may be rattled and emotional, but you should never let that affect your conversation with a claims adjuster. An insurance company wants to pay the least amount possible of your claim, so they will send a claims adjuster to get your side of the story. Unfortunately, that adjuster is looking out for the company’s best interest, not yours, and they’ll be listening for any discrepancies or faulty language that could really harm your case. If you find yourself in a discussion with an adjuster, these are the five things you should never say to them.

Don’t Give or Take Blame

Above all else, never admit fault when telling the adjuster about your accident. This gives the insurance company a lot of leverage in decreasing your amount of compensation. After all, if you admitted guilt yourself, then who are they to argue with that?

Avoid Vague Statements

Sticking to the facts and being completely honest are the best ways to recount your telling of the accident. Saying things like, “she came out of nowhere,” or “he must have been speeding,” indicate that you either weren’t paying attention at all or that you noticed the other driver’s recklessness, but maneuvered in a way that still put you in the path of their car. Both positions make it sound like you aren’t as innocent as you claim, and in some states, being only slightly guilty can get the insurance company completely off the hook for paying your compensation.

Don’t Apologize 

You may as well admit guilt. Saying you’re sorry only sounds like something the person responsible for the crash would say. Why give the claims adjuster such evidence, especially if you aren’t guilty at all?

Don’t Say You’re Not Injured 

If you tell the adjuster you’re okay, only to make a claim a few months later for a personal injury, they’re going to question whether you lied to them or are making up an injury to get convenient compensation. This could seriously damage your chances of getting those medical costs covered.

Ignore Your Own Opinions

A lot of emotion can come out of a car accident, especially if you’re suffering at the hands of a negligent driver, but the adjuster isn’t interested in that. Your opinions of what happened might only end up hurting your case. Only recount the facts as you remember them.

A car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Woodland Hills, CA, can help you determine what to say to the adjuster. Consider contacting one before giving your statement or settling, as there’s nothing an insurance company loves more than when someone tells them they don’t have a lawyer.

 

 

Thanks to the law offices of Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into a few things you should not say to your insurance claims adjuster after a car accident.