Should You Speak to the Insurance Company After an Accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, emotions are high, and decisions made in the heat of the moment can significantly impact the trajectory of your case. One crucial decision is whether to speak directly to the insurance company. Before you talk to any insurance adjuster, get the help of an experienced Orlando car accident attorney at JustCallMoe.

Why Speaking to the Insurance Company After an Accident Can Harm Your Case

Insurance companies often attempt to speak with those who are involved in a car accident within 24–72 hours after the accident. They do this because they want to get a recorded statement from you before you know the full extent of the injuries you sustained in the car accident.

For example, immediately after an accident you may have some back or arm pain, but you may not know that you require surgery. The insurance company will take your statement given immediately after the accident and use it at trial to argue that your injuries are overly exaggerated, and that any surgery you get is unnecessary.

Why Should I Not Speak to the Insurance Company After an Accident?

When you speak to the insurance company without legal representation, you may inadvertently jeopardize your rights. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that could be used against you. Even seemingly harmless statements can be twisted to minimize the liability of the at-fault party.

While the insurance adjuster may act nice and you may want to cooperate because you haven’t done anything wrong, be wary of the insurance adjusters. They have one job and that is to pay you as little as possible for your claim.

Avoiding premature settlements

Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly, offering a seemingly fair amount. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the full extent of your injuries and related expenses may not be immediately apparent. If the insurance adjuster is offering a quick settlement, they are usually offering pennies on the dollar. They want to settle the case quickly before you realize the full extent of your injuries and the amount of medical bill you have incurred. Don’t fall for their trap! Wait until you know the full extent of your injuries and the medical bills that you have incurred before you sign any release. Once you settle the claim you are waiving any future claim. This means that the insurance company never has to pay you if you later discover further injuries or need further medical procedures.

Examples of Why You Shouldn’t Speak to the Insurance Adjuster

Jane, after a minor car accident, innocently admitted to the insurance adjuster that she felt “fine.” However, as days passed, she discovered the adrenaline wearing off and injuries that required medical attention. The insurance company used her initial statement to dispute the severity of her injuries, impacting her compensation.

Tom, eager to put the accident behind him, accepted a quick settlement offer. Unfortunately, his injuries worsened over time, requiring extensive medical treatment. Since he had already settled, he had no recourse to seek additional compensation for his escalating medical bills. While the names have been changed for this hypothetical, this happens all too often. Don’t let yourself fall victim to the insurance company’s deception!

Don’t Discuss Who is At Fault With the Insurance Adjuster

Admitting fault or making statements that could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt may harm your case. It’s essential to remember that fault is often complex, and admitting fault prematurely can undermine your position.

For example, after an accident, feeling sorry for the other party involved, you may apologize at the accident scene saying something like I’m sorry that I hit you. While the statement “I’m sorry” is typically not admissible, if it is accompanied by an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, that statement may be admissible to suggest an admission of fault.

Our Orlando Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Get a Fair Assessment

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and their initial assessments may not fully account for the long-term impact of your injuries or the true extent of your damages. Consulting with a personal injury attorney ensures that your case is thoroughly evaluated.

In the aftermath of an accident, your best course of action is to consult with an injury attorney before engaging with the insurance company. Stories of individuals who faced challenges after speaking without legal guidance underscore the importance of protecting your rights and seeking professional advice.

By partnering with an experienced auto accident attorney at JustCallMoe, you ensure that your case is handled with the expertise needed to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us today to start your case.