5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (2024)

FAQs

5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster? ›

If you admit fault for the accident, even if you say you are only partly responsible for what happened, your claim could be drastically reduced in value or denied outright. Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.”

While some people may move beyond the emotional impact of the crash quickly, for others it may take weeks, months, or even longer to move beyond those feelings.

Don't admit fault. Don't say you aren't injured. If they ask, you should be adamant that you are not sure. Don't sign any release to release your medical records without checking with your lawyer.

Shock And Disorientation

A car accident's sudden and unexpected nature can leave you feeling shocked and disoriented. This emotional response can make it difficult to think clearly, which may contribute to feelings of confusion and unease in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

You may expect them to treat you fairly and offer you what you deserve when settling your claim. Unfortunately, the insurance company is a business. As such, their focus may be on making a profit instead of your health and needs. You should not be surprised if they make you a lowball first offer.

If you suffer from anxiety following a car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation. Like with any other car accident claim, your solicitor must be able to prove the following to have a valid case: Another party owed you a duty of care. They breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly.

Travel anxiety can make it difficult for victims to move past the car accident and continue traveling as before. These problems may last for only a few weeks or they could continue to haunt the victim for months or even years after the accident.

Two of the most frequently occurring car accident injuries, headache, and whiplash, may not be evident right after the collision occurs. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), victims may not experience symptoms of whiplash until several days after the accident.

Items meeting the diagnostic criteria for symptoms of PTSD were comprised of the following seven symptom clusters: (1) frequent, recurrent, re-experiencing of the event by intrusive, intense thoughts, flashbacks; physical reactions when thinking or reminded of the crash, (2) persistent avoidance and fear of stimuli ...

Individuals who experience a serious motor vehicle accident (MVA) are at increased risk for psychological problems, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

What is considered a traumatic car accident? ›

Severe Physical Injuries

Car accident injuries can be life-altering, especially if they involve the following: Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries. Loss of one or more limbs.

Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company

Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything. Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference. Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.

Admitting fault: Using apologetic language is enough for the insurance adjuster to assume you're admitting fault and use that against you. Even if you feel you're at fault, wait for the official investigation to prove what actually happened. Don't say things like “I'm sorry” or “it was my fault.”

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

The insurance adjuster has only the best interests of their client in mind and will perform their duties with a certain degree of bias. Some insurance adjusters may even go as far as to employ bad faith tricks to lower the potential payout the insurance company has to deliver.

While the insurance company may follow you at any time, there are certain times where it is most likely to occur. We typically see insurance companies conduct surveillance around claim-related appointments. These claim-related appointments could include IMEs or interviews with insurance representatives.