Communicating with insurance companies after an accident can be a difficult path to navigate. What you say to them could significantly impact the outcome of your claim, often in ways that are not favorable to you. There are certain things you should specifically avoid mentioning when dealing with insurance adjusters in order to protect your rights and any compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Overview of Insurance Adjusters’ Goals
Insurance adjusters represent the interests of insurance companies; their primary objective is to ensure the company pays as little as possible in claims while maintaining a facade of working in the claimant’s best interest. This often means they are looking for ways to minimize the settlement or to outright deny the claim.
It is crucial to remember that no matter how friendly or empathetic an adjuster may seem, their responsibility is to save money for the insurance company, not to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to.
What to Not Say After an Accident
After an accident, the things you say can have a profound impact on the outcome of any insurance claims or legal proceedings that may follow. It’s critical to know what not to say in order to preserve your rights and ensure a fair process. Keep in mind if you’ve been into an accident, contact our car accident lawyers in Colorado Springs today.
Here’s what you should keep in mind after an injury:
Never Make Admissions of Fault
Never admit fault or suggest partial fault in any conversations with an insurance adjuster. Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, the full picture could reveal otherwise, and any statements you make regarding your own fault could be used to diminish your claim.
Why Admitting Fault is Detrimental
By admitting fault, you essentially provide the insurance company with a way to reduce or deny your claim altogether. It is not your job to investigate the accident – that’s what insurance companies and attorneys are for. Any discussions related to fault should be handled by legal professionals skilled at dealing with personal injury claims.
Never Make Speculations About What Happened
Avoid making any guesses or speculations about the accident details. Inconsistencies or changes in your story can be used to question the veracity of your account and potentially cast doubt on the legitimacy of your claim.
How Speculations Can Be Used Against You
Even seemingly harmless comments like “I think the light was green” can be twisted to imply you weren’t paying attention to the road or were unsure about the traffic signals. It’s best to stick to the facts you’re certain about.
Don’t Comment on Injuries
The full extent and impact of your injuries may not be immediately apparent after an accident. Talking to an insurance adjuster about your injuries, especially if you do not have a complete understanding of their nature, could undervalue your claim.
Waiting for Full Medical Assessments
Waiting for a complete medical assessment and understanding the long-term implications of your injuries is crucial before engaging in discussions about them with anyone from the insurance company.
Avoid Posting on Social Media About Your Accident or Injuries
In the digital age, it’s common to share significant life events on social media. However, anything you post can and will be used against you – especially when it comes to personal injury claims.
The Role of Social Media in Claims
Adjusters often sift through claimants’ social media profiles to find any that could discredit their claims. Therefore, refrain from discussing the accident or your injuries on any public platforms.
In interactions with insurance companies after an accident, always remember that your words carry weight. To safeguard yourself and your claim, make sure you navigate these conversations wisely. If you’re uncertain or concerned about speaking with insurance adjusters directly, seeking the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney in Colorado Springs can ensure that your communications are managed appropriately. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
