9 Things Not to Say to an Insurance Company After a Car Accident

One of the first things you should do following a car accident is contacting your insurance company to file a claim. Doing so is the only way to get the compensation you need to repair damages and pay for healthcare if there are any injuries.

But it’s important to remember one thing: insurers will take any chance they get to not pay you. Saying the wrong things to your insurance company can result in you getting a reduced payout or no payout at all.

So how can you protect your claim?

To ensure your claim is approved, keep in mind the following nine things not to say to your insurance company after a car accident.

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident

Saying the wrong things can signal red flags to the insurance company. Even if you are telling the complete truth, misspeaking or offering unnecessary information can be used to oppose your claim.

Here are 9 things you should never say to your insurer after an accident.

1. It was my fault

This may be common knowledge for many, but it’s worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I’m sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don’t apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement.

Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

2. I think

When dealing with insurance companies, always stick to the facts. Don’t make “I think” or “in my opinion” statements. If your insurer asks a question that you don’t know the answer to, don’t offer a guess or opinion.

Any of your answers can be used to argue against your claim, so be careful not to say anything that isn’t fact.

3. I’m fine

If asked about your injuries, don’t say that you are fine or haven’t suffered any injuries until you are examined by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable, and adrenaline can prevent you from feeling some injuries at first.

After an accident, make sure to see a doctor and document any injuries that are found. Furthermore, don’t sign any medical releases until you discuss it with your attorney.

4. Names

Don’t give your insurance company any names or contact information for others, including family members, friends, or your doctor. Insurance companies may try to contact these individuals to get more information about the accident and your recovery.

5. Recorded statements

Recorded statements only exist to serve the insurance company’s interests, not yours. Many times recorded statements are thoroughly examined to look for inconsistencies and contradictory information. Information you provide may be taken out of context to be used against you, so keep in mind that you are not obligated to give a recorded statement.

Only give an official recorded statement if your car accident attorney advises you to do so.

6. Unnecessary details

Don’t offer up information that isn’t asked of you. If you aren’t asked how fast you were going, for example, there’s no reason to mention it. Don’t mention that your car is customized or that you are using it for ride-share purposes. Anything can potentially be used against you, so keep unnecessary details to yourself.

7. We don’t have an attorney

Knowing that you don’t have a personal injury attorney may lead to insurers trying to take advantage of you. If you don’t have an attorney, don’t mention it and seek counsel as quickly as possible.

If you do have a car accident attorney, this information can lead to insurers treating your claim with more care and respect.

8. Yes, I accept your offer.

Your insurer may try to offer you a quick settlement; however, these are almost always lowball offers that they hope you’ll accept in a state of desperation. Always contact a professional Los Angeles car accident attorney before accepting a settlement as they will be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

9. I have whiplash

“I have whiplash” is a common phrase used by people trying to file dishonest claims. As such, whiplash is a major red flag for insurance companies that will often encourage them to look more closely into your claim. Unless diagnosed with whiplash by a doctor, don’t claim to have it.

Hire a Professional Car Accident Attorney

Following a car accident, it’s important to know what steps to take to ensure your claim is settled quickly and you receive fair compensation.

At B|B Law Group, our team of expert personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they deserve to recover after a serious accident.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer and learn more about how we can help you successfully settle your claim.