What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident?

Regardless of your relationship with your insurance provider, you should be very careful when you talk to them to report your accident. As a policyholder, one of your obligations is to report an accident that your insurer may have to cover. Lying about the accident, even unintentionally, is not only a bad idea – it is also illegal.

To avoid being taken advantage of by your insurer and complications with your claim, here are some practical guidelines for speaking to an insurance claims adjuster after your accident.

Do Not Say The Accident Was Your Fault

Among the most common mistakes that people make after an accident is admitting fault. But take note that even if you seem like you clearly caused the accident, there’s a chance that other factors caused or contributed to the accident. A lot of accidents are caused by more than one party – sometimes the level of fault is 50/500, sometimes it’s 80/20.

An investigation may reveal other parties’ fault for the accident. Admitting fault may seem like the right thing to do, but it can result in a lower insurance settlement or an unwarranted increase in your premium. Consider discussing your case with a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer before reporting your accident to your insurer to learn how you should talk to your insurer.

Do Not Say More Than You Really Need To

Put simply, answer all questions honestly but do not volunteer unsolicited information. If you try to lie to save some money, the truth will come out during investigations. While your insurance provider should not deny your claim due to misrepresentation, it can increase your premium.

Stick to facts and do not offer specific information that may not have occurred. Attempting to provide precise details may result in a false recount, so instead of giving specific details, provide estimates.

Do Not Say You Are Uninjured

Even if you feel fine after the accident or injuries seem to be minor and negligible, you should not say that you’re well or that you didn’t sustain any injuries in the accident. In some cases, symptoms of severe injuries, including internal bleeding, whiplash, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can take time to manifest, so you might not even be aware that you are already injured when reporting your accident to your insurance provider.

Before indicating or declaring anything about your condition after the accident, make sure to go to the doctor first and get a professional medical opinion. Also, avoid signing medical release forms until you talk to your lawyer.

Seek Legal Guidance From a Seasoned Brooklyn Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Keep in mind that your words can have negative consequences, and your insurer can use your words against you to dispute or deny your claim. If you need legal advice about your accident, contact Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman right away. You can discuss your case in a free consultation with our Brooklyn personal injury lawyer and schedule your appointment by completing our online form or calling 347-822-3937.