What Should I Avoid Saying to an Insurance Adjuster?

After being involved in an accident and sustaining an injury or other damages, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster. Whether they are representing your insurance company or the other party’s, it is important to understand that the primary interest of these individuals is to protect their employer’s financial interests. What you say to an insurance adjuster can directly impact your personal injury claim, so knowing what to avoid saying is crucial in protecting your legal rights and options. To learn more and secure skilled counsel, reach out to an experienced Monmouth County personal injury attorney and set up your free consultation today.

What Should I Avoid Saying to an Insurance Adjuster?

Insurance adjusters investigate claims to determine whether they are valid and how much the policyholder should receive in compensation. These employees are trained to minimize payouts, so it is important to avoid saying certain things that could damage your case. Consider the following.

1. I’m sorry: One of the most common mistakes people make is apologizing after an accident, even when they were not at fault. You may think you are being polite or feel partially responsible, but saying “I’m sorry” or “I should have been paying more attention” can be interpreted as admitting fault and can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
2. I’m not hurt: Never tell an insurance adjuster that you are “fine” or “not hurt,” especially in the hours or days following an accident. Some injuries may not present symptoms right away, and if you downplay your injuries but later develop serious symptoms, the insurance company could argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
3. Yes, you can record me: The adjuster may ask to record your statement, but you are not legally obligated to agree. It is easy to misspeak or make a mistake that could affect your claim, so speak with your attorney first before agreeing to any recorded statements.
4. I think…: Do not speculate or guess anything about the accident. If you are not sure how it happened or cannot recall specific details, say you do not know. If you guess or assume, it can be turned against you later if your assumption is false.
5. I accept: A common mistake is accepting a settlement too soon. Adjusters may offer a quick settlement in an effort to minimize payouts. If you do not know the full extent of your injuries and damages, you may accept a lowball offer. Never accept an offer without discussing it with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Your words have meaning and can be misconstrued, regardless of your intention. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to reduce your compensation or deny your claim, so it is important to be careful when you speak. Other things to avoid discussing without consulting your attorney include existing conditions or prior claims, unnecessary personal information, medical records, etc.

If you are dealing with an insurance adjuster after your accident, work with a skilled attorney at the Wilton Law Firm for legal advice and representation.