- Car Accidents
Knowing what to say and do after a car accident can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to ask you specific questions to get information that may help the insurance company pay out as little as possible on your claim. To protect yourself, it’s essential to understand what not to say to a car insurance adjuster.
One wrong statement could compromise your car accident claim or lead to a lower settlement amount. In this blog post, a Jonesboro car accident lawyer will explore some of the crucial things that you must not tell an insurance adjuster after a car accident.
Contact us today for a free case review!
What Do Insurance Adjusters Do After a Car Accident?
Car insurance adjusters are responsible for investigating the accident, assessing the damage, and determining the insurance company’s liability. While they may appear sympathetic and friendly, their ultimate responsibility is to the insurance company, not to you.
The adjuster’s job includes finding ways to reduce the payout or deny the claim altogether. Accident victims need to be cautious and aware that anything they say can be used to diminish their claim.
What Not to Say to a Car Insurance Adjuster
There are certain things you should avoid saying to an insurance adjuster after a car accident. Saying the wrong thing could give the insurance company ammunition to deny your claim.
Here are some things you should never say to an insurance claims adjuster after a car accident.
Do Not Admit Fault or Say Sorry
In the aftermath of a car accident, it is important to be careful about what you say to the insurance adjuster. As a well-raised and polite person, you automatically want to say that you are sorry after an incident you were involved in.
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims can make is apologizing or admitting fault. Even a seemingly innocent apology can be construed as admitting liability. The adjuster’s job is to protect the interests of the insurance company, and any admission of fault can significantly reduce the compensation you receive.
Instead, stick to the facts and avoid any statements that could imply responsibility for the accident.
Don’t Say You Feel Fine
After an accident, adrenaline can mask the pain of injuries, leading you to believe you’re unhurt. However, injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries might not manifest immediately. When an insurance adjuster asks how you are, refrain from saying you are fine.
If you declare that you are uninjured, it can be challenging to claim medical expenses later if symptoms appear. Simply state that you will be seeking medical evaluation to understand the full extent of your injuries.
Don’t Exaggerate Your Injuries or Losses
Don’t exaggerate when discussing injuries or damage to your car. Stick to the facts and don’t embellish the details. The insurance adjuster is likely taking notes and will look out for inconsistencies between what you say and what other evidence shows.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company
Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. It’s crucial to decline this request, at least until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Recorded statements can be meticulously reviewed and used to challenge your account of the events.
If your statements vary, even slightly, from other evidence or future testimonies, they can be used to undermine your credibility. Politely decline and suggest that all communications be done in writing or through your attorney.
Don’t Speculate About the Accident
It’s natural to want to explain what happened during an accident, but it’s vital to avoid speculation. Speculating about the causes or details of the accident can lead to inconsistent statements. For example, saying, “I think the other driver was speeding,” without evidence, can complicate your claim. Stick to the basic information you know them, such as the time, location, and actions you took.
If you don’t remember certain details, say that you don’t know or remember.
Don’t the Accident Was Caused by a Pothole
If you tell the insurance adjuster that the accident was caused by a pothole, they may not believe you. Potholes are a common cause of accidents, but it can be difficult to prove that the pothole was the cause of the accident.
Plus, it does not help your car accident claim at all. The adjuster will tell you that, in this situation, their client is not more at fault for the accident than you. Instead, you should sue the local government authority that maintains roads.
Don’t Say You Did Not See the Other Driver
If you were involved in a car accident, there are certain things you should never tell the insurance adjuster. Saying that you did not see the other driver is one of them. Even if it’s true, it’s not something you should say to the insurance adjuster. The reason is that it can be interpreted as admitting that you were distracted behind the wheel.
An experienced car accident attorney will tell you that this is equal to admitting that you were at fault for the car crash.
Dealing With an Insurance Adjuster
Here are some important tips when dealing with insurance claims adjusters after a car accident.
Don’t Accept a Settlement Without Talking to a Lawyer First
Don’t accept a settlement offer or sign anything without first consulting an experienced Jonesboro car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are known for asking accident victims to sign documents that waive their rights to pursue a legal claim in the future.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurance company. This includes notes on phone calls, copies of emails, and any other correspondence. Documentation can be crucial if disputes arise later.
Determining Fault for the Accident
Georgia operates under an at-fault system. This means that the driver who is responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for any damages that result from it. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, your insurance company will likely increase your rates and may even refuse to pay for certain damages.
Georgia also has a comparative negligence law. This means that even if you are found partially responsible for an accident, you may still be able to recover some of your damages from the other driver.
In cases of partial fault, the amount of compensation you can receive is based on your share of blame for an accident. For example, if you are found to be 40% at fault and the other driver is found to be 60% at fault, then you would only be eligible for 60% of the total damages incurred.
If you are involved in a car crash in Georgia, speak with an experienced Jonesboro car accident lawyer who can guide you through the claims process and help you get maximum compensation.
How Wade Law Can Help Your Car Accident Case
An experienced lawyer can help you get the most out of your car accident claim. They know the ins and outs of Georgia’s personal injury law and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If negotiations don’t lead to a favorable settlement offer, an experienced car accident lawyer will be prepared to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Let an Experienced Jonesboro Car Accident Lawyer Win Your Claim!
If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how overwhelming the aftermath can be. You’re dealing with doctor’s appointments, insurance adjusters, and car repairs, all while trying to recover from your injuries. The last thing you want to do is give the insurance adjuster more information than you have to.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait too long before you contact The Wade Law Office. With the right lawyer on your side, you can receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact an experienced Jonesboro car accident lawyer today to discuss your options and find out what they can do to help with your case. We offer each new client a free consultation, so contact us today at 770-282-1188!