Speaking with an insurance adjuster after an accident can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are still dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty. Many people assume these conversations are harmless, but the truth is that what you say can affect the value of your claim. Adjusters are trained to gather information that protects the insurance company, not you, which is why you need to know what to avoid before you pick up the phone. Read on and reach out to a knowledgeable Jacksonville personal injury lawyer from Ansbacher Law to learn more.
Important Tips for Speaking With an Insurance Adjuster
Below are some of the most important mistakes to steer clear of when speaking with an adjuster, along with simple explanations that can help you stay in control of your claim.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Even a harmless phrase can be twisted into an admission. Something as casual as “I didn’t see them” or “I might have been going a little fast” can be used to argue that you share responsibility for the accident. Florida’s comparative fault rules allow insurers to reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault, which means a single statement can cost you. It is better to stick to the basic facts without offering guesses, interpretations, or personal opinions.
Avoid Downplaying Your Injuries
People often minimize their pain because they do not want to sound dramatic. This is a common and costly mistake. If you tell an insurance adjuster you “feel fine” or that the injury “isn’t that bad,” the insurer may take that as evidence that medical treatment is unnecessary or that your injuries are minor. Injuries like soft tissue damage, concussions, and internal strains do not always appear immediately. Let your medical records speak for your condition instead of trying to summarize how you feel on the phone.
Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
Adjusters often request a recorded statement early in the process, and they may frame it as something required. In most situations, you are not obligated to provide one to the other driver’s insurer. Recorded statements can trap you into specific wording that may later conflict with medical updates or additional details you remember about the accident. If you feel pressured, it is acceptable to say that you prefer to talk after speaking with an attorney.
Avoid Discussing Your Medical History
An insurance adjuster might ask whether you have ever had back pain, headaches, or prior accidents. These questions are designed to shift blame away from the current incident. Sharing medical history without legal guidance can make it easier for the insurer to argue that your injuries are unrelated. You can politely decline to answer and explain that your injuries are still being evaluated.
Key Things You Should Not Say
For quick reference, avoid saying anything like:
- “It was partly my fault.”
- “I don’t think I’m hurt.”
- “I’m fine, I don’t need a doctor.”
- “You can record this, that’s no problem.”
- “I’ve had similar injuries before.”
Keep the Conversation Simple
If you must speak with an adjuster, keep your answers short and factual. Provide basic identifying information, the date of the accident, and the general location. Anything beyond that can wait until you have legal guidance. A lawyer can speak to the insurer on your behalf and help protect your claim from common traps.
If you think you have a valid case and would like to speak with an attorney, contact Ansbacher Law today.