The moments following a car accident can be terrifying. A whirlwind of emotions from stress to anxiety during the first few minutes can lead you to speak or act in a way that compromises your best interests in the case.
Your insurance company could be waiting for you to say the wrong thing. If you’re not careful, you could utter words that could impact your ability to file for compensation.
Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers is the firm you should call when you need strong, professional representation to communicate with the insurance company. Contact us to manage your car accident case, and we’ll guide you on how to best talk to the insurance company.
What to Tell the Insurance Company After an Accident
A call from your insurance company’s claim adjuster will likely come a few days after your accident. During the call, the claims adjuster will want to know the particulars of your accident.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are always looking out for themselves, so they’ll look for reasons to reduce your final payout as much as possible. For this reason, you need to keep your conversation short and precise.
Here are some tips to help you talk to your insurance group:
Give general details about the case
You’re only obligated to provide basic or general details about the accident to your insurance company. These include:
- Your name
- Names of other people involved in the accident
- The date and time the accident occurred
- Where the accident happened
- The type of car involved in the accident (make or model)
- Details of the other driver’s insurance company
Avoid assigning fault
If your insurance company asks you to describe the accident, never assume fault or discuss any particulars of the crash apart from the facts.
If you’re unsure of what exactly transpired at a certain point, say you don’t know and keep your personal opinions to yourself. It pays to have a personal injury attorney to help you describe your accident in a way that doesn’t incriminate you.
Refrain from being too specific about your injuries
Even if you sought medical attention after the accident and think you already know the extent of your injuries, never give detailed descriptions or final statements. For example, avoid conclusive statements like “I have whiplash” or “I don’t have any injuries.” You never know — you may have internal injuries that take time to appear, or your current condition might escalate into something severe.
Don’t provide a recorded statement
You’re not legally obligated to provide any recorded statements to the insurance company. Avoid recording final verbal statements without first consulting a personal injury lawyer.
Words to Never Say After a Car Accident
Choose your words carefully. The specific vocabulary you use can land you in trouble after a car accident. These include:
“I’m sorry.”
Apologizing to the other driver after a car accident is the last thing you should do, even if you think you’re at fault. Eyewitnesses could mistake these words as an admission of guilt and responsibility for the accident.
“Let’s handle it ourselves.”
Should you tell your insurance company about an accident? Resist the urge to not report a car accident, especially if the crash was minor.
Not reporting your car accident to the insurance company makes it more difficult to receive compensation.
“I don’t have an attorney.”
If your insurance company contacts you before you’ve sought the services of a professional personal injury attorney, don’t admit to them that you don’t have one yet. When your insurance company realizes you’re not legally represented, they might try to hamper your case for compensation.
They might also try to offer a quick settlement, which is often significantly lower than the amount you should or could have received for your injuries, time off work, pain and suffering, and other personal injury damages.
Let Nevada Accident Injury Lawyers Help You Negotiate
If you or a loved one is in a car accident, the next step after seeking medical treatment is to hire a car accident attorney. NAIL knows how insurance companies think and act.
We can guide you on what to say to the insurance company after a car accident without blaming yourself or putting too much information out there that could be used against you later. We will fight for your opportunity to receive compensation for your injuries.
Contact us today for an appointment.
Car Accident FAQs
What happens if I lie to my insurance company after an accident?
If you lie about specific details of a car accident to cover up facts, your insurance company may deny your claim, cancel your policy, or have you on the hook for fraud.
Can what I tell the police to be used against me after a car accident?
Yes, insurance firms and police departments work hand-in-hand after a car accident.