If you are involved in a car accident, you may require assistance from your insurance provider to pay your medical bills and repair your vehicle. However, giving away too much detail or saying the wrong thing can prove costly to your claim, resulting in a reduced settlement amount or a complete denial of your claim altogether.
The following are things you shouldn’t say to your insurance company following a car accident:
- “It was my fault.” Avoid admitting fault for the crash. Even if you are actually at fault, the other driver may have also contributed to the accident and could also share the blame. When you describe the incident to the adjuster, only tell them about the basics without adding any personal opinions. Avoid saying sorry to the other driver since this statement could be misconstrued as an admission of fault.
- “I’m fine.” Although symptoms of some injuries are obvious, many are not. You may not be aware of sustaining whiplash or suffering from internal bleeding. If you do not experience any pain from the crash, you should get it checked out by a doctor anyway. Avoid signing any medical release form from the insurance company until you discuss your case with an attorney.
- “I accept.” When an insurance company offers an individual an initial settlement, most of them are low ball offers. While you may have expensive medical bills to pay for and are losing wages because you’re not working, avoid accepting a settlement offer that does not fully compensate you for injuries.
- “This is my official statement.” Do not give an official statement that is recorded until you have discussed your accident with an attorney. You are not required to have your statement recorded, so what you say may be taken out of context and used against you.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Texas, request a free consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of James M. Stanley today.