The calendar flipped to a new year, but if you’ve been in a recent car accident, you may have already discovered that insurance companies haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions to be more helpful. Their playbook remains the same: minimize your claim, protect their bottom line, and get you to say something, anything, they can use against you.
If you’ve been in a crash and the phone starts ringing with an insurance adjuster on the other end, take a breath. This is one conversation you want to be prepared for. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with insurance after an accident and what not to say.
What Insurance Adjusters Are Really Looking For
Let’s be honest: insurance adjusters aren’t calling to check on your well-being. Their job is to protect the company they work for, not you. That means they’re trained to look for statements or “slip-ups” that can reduce or deny your claim altogether.
Some key things they’re listening for:
- Admission of fault, even partial. Saying things like “I didn’t see them” or “I was in a hurry” may seem harmless, but they can be twisted into admissions of liability.
- Inconsistent statements about the accident. If your story shifts even slightly, they’ll question your credibility.
- Minimization of injuries. If you say “I’m okay” or “It’s not that bad,” they may later use that to argue your injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant compensation.
Anything that could suggest pre-existing conditions or alternative causes for your injuries.
They’ll be friendly. They’ll seem helpful. They might even sound like they’re on your side. But make no mistake: their job is to pay out as little as possible.
What Not to Say When Talking to an Insurance Adjuster
Now that you know what they’re fishing for, here’s what to avoid saying:
1. “I’m sorry.”
We get it; apologizing is human nature, especially after something traumatic. But saying “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of fault, even if you’re just being polite.
2. “I think…” or “I guess…”
Never guess or speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts you know. Uncertainty can be used to challenge your version of events.
3. “I didn’t see them.”
Even if it’s true, this can be taken as an admission that you weren’t paying attention. Avoid making statements that suggest distraction or inattention.
4. “I’m not that hurt.”
Pain after an accident can take hours or even days to fully develop. Saying you’re fine too early can undercut a legitimate injury claim down the road.
5. Detailed statements before you’re ready.
Insurance adjusters may pressure you into giving a recorded statement soon after the crash. This is often a strategic move to catch you off guard. You’re not legally obligated to provide one right away, and you shouldn’t, especially without legal advice.
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
Let’s be blunt: insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their interests. So why wouldn’t you have someone in your corner doing the same for you?
That’s where a personal injury attorney comes in. Here’s why it matters:
- They know the games. Experienced attorneys have seen every trick in the book and know how to push back.
- They protect your rights. An attorney can handle communication with the insurance company so you don’t accidentally say something that harms your case.
- They fight for full compensation. From medical bills to lost wages and pain and suffering, an attorney can help you pursue the compensation you actually deserve—not just what the insurance company is offering.
Hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re being confrontational—it means you’re protecting yourself. Insurance companies are counting on you to feel overwhelmed, intimidated, or uninformed. Don’t give them that advantage.
Say Less, Lawyer Up
The New Year might bring fresh resolutions and a hopeful outlook, but when it comes to dealing with insurance after a crash, it’s still the same old game. And if you’re not careful, you could unknowingly play right into their hands.
So if you’ve been in an accident, remember this:
- Be polite, but cautious.
- Don’t admit fault or downplay your injuries.
- Avoid giving detailed statements without legal guidance.
- Speak with an attorney before talking to the insurance company.
You don’t have to face this alone, and you shouldn’t. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major accident, getting legal help early can make all the difference in protecting your health, your finances, and your future.
Need help after a crash? Contact our office for a free consultation. We’re here to cut through the noise, deal with the insurance games, and put your best interests first every time.
Call Glassman and Zissimopulos and our team of dedicated attorneys today. (352) 505-4515 or Toll-Free at (844) 787-2543. When you call, you will be able to speak with a lawyer. This is our commitment to you.