Being in a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, and it’s natural to want to speak openly and honestly with the insurance adjuster who contacts you after the accident. However, it’s important to remember that adjusters work for insurance companies and will often use any information you provide against you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five things you should never say to an insurance adjuster after a Houston car accident.
1. Admitting fault
The first thing you should never say to an insurance adjuster is that you were at fault for the accident. Even if you believe that you may have been partially responsible for the accident, it’s important to avoid admitting fault without consulting an attorney first. Admitting fault can weaken your negotiating position and make it more difficult to obtain the compensation you deserve.
2. Saying that you are not hurt
After an accident, you may not feel any pain or discomfort at first, but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t injured. The onset of pain or other symptoms may take a few days or even weeks to appear. Therefore, never say that you are not hurt, as it could harm your personal injury claim. Instead, tell the adjuster that you’re not sure of your injuries at the moment and advise them that you’re going to see a doctor.
3. Describing your injuries
Another pitfall many accident victims find themselves in is describing their injuries to an insurance adjuster. This information can be used to undermine your claim by the insurance company’s lawyers, who will try to downplay the severity of your injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious when describing your injuries and avoid oversharing.
4. Speculating about what happened
Speculating about what happened can also harm your case. You may unwittingly implicate yourself or falsely accuse the other driver, which can make it more challenging to resolve issues after an accident. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, stick to the facts and only provide information that you know for sure.
5. Saying anything on the record
Typically, the adjuster will ask if they can record your conversations with them. While it may seem harmless or even helpful, never agree to be recorded. Your words can be misconstrued, taken out of context, or edited to change their meaning, which can hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement. Instead, opt to communicate by email, so you’ll have a record of all conversations.
After a Houston car accident, you may be tempted to speak to the insurance adjuster openly and honestly about what happened. However, it’s vital to remember that adjusters are not your friends, and anything you say can be used against you. Never admit fault, say that you’re not injured, describe your injuries in detail, speculate about what happened, or agree to be recorded. Be cautious with your communication, and consider consulting an attorney to handle negotiations on your behalf. Above all, never speak to an adjuster until you’re aware of all of your injuries, and consult with an experienced attorney.
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