Talking to insurance adjusters after a car accident can be challenging. Since their job is to minimize payouts, what you say matters for your injury claim. Some phrases that seem harmless can actually hurt your case. If you know what to avoid, you can protect yourself and understand why having a lawyer helps.

Understanding the Adjuster’s Role

After a car accident, insurance adjusters get involved to protect their company’s bottom line. They may try to turn your casual comments into admissions of fault or make your injuries seem less serious. It’s important to be careful when speaking with them, since their main concern is the insurance company’s interests, not yours.

Phrases to Avoid with Insurance Adjusters

Here are five phrases that may sound harmless but could hurt your claim. Learning what not to say after a car accident can help protect your interests.

Apologies (e.g., “I’m so sorry that happened.”)

It’s normal to want to say you’re sorry after an accident, but this can be misunderstood. Insurance adjusters may treat apologies as if you’re admitting fault, which can weaken your claim. Instead, avoid apologizing. You can say, “I can’t discuss details right now. Please speak with my attorney.” This keeps things neutral and avoids any suggestion of guilt.

Downplaying Injuries (e.g., “I’m a little sore, but I’ll be fine.”)

After an accident, you might downplay your injuries to be polite or hopeful. Saying “I’m a little sore, but I’ll be fine” can seem harmless, but adjusters may use it to argue your injuries are minor and don’t need much compensation. If your condition gets worse later, this statement can still hurt your claim.

Don’t make firm statements about your health. Instead, say, “I’m consulting with my doctor and attorney.” This keeps the focus on professional advice and stops adjusters from using your words against you.

Speculation (e.g., “I think he was speeding.”)

You might want to share your thoughts about the accident, like guessing how fast the other driver was going. But adjusters can use your guesses as if they are facts. This can make you seem unsure about what happened and weaken your claim.

Stick to the facts. If you’re asked about what the other driver did, say, “I can’t comment on their actions. Please check the police report for the official details.” This keeps your answers factual and stops adjusters from twisting your words.

Giving Definitive Answers (e.g., A simple “Yes” to a complex, loaded question)

When adjusters ask questions, it may seem easier to just say yes or no, but simple answers can be risky. Don’t give definite answers to complicated questions. Instead, say, “I’m not sure about the details. My attorney can provide more information.” This helps prevent your words from being misused and lets your lawyer handle the conversation.

Discussing Past Injuries (e.g., “My back has bothered me a little before.”)

You may feel that mentioning past injuries is just being honest. But adjusters can use this to say your current injuries are from old problems, not the accident, which can reduce your compensation. Focus on the current accident. If asked about past injuries, say, “I’m focusing on the injuries from this accident. My medical records have the details.” This keeps the conversation on track and avoids bringing up unrelated issues.

Strategic Communication for a Fair Insurance Settlement

It’s important to be careful with what you say to insurance adjusters after a car accident. Your words can have a big impact on your claim and the compensation you get. Knowing how adjusters work helps you protect yourself and avoid common mistakes.

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t risk your claim by talking to insurance adjusters on your own. Let a lawyer handle the conversation. Contact our firm for expert help.Reach out to us at Roberts Markland LLP today or call 936-253-6182 to make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Brian A Jackson