5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (2024)

Insurance adjusters will come calling soon after a car accident. They may seem friendly and understanding, seeking information they need to resolve your claim. Accident victims will be asked to answer some questions to help the insurance company understand the nature of the accident and injuries and to determine how much compensation is warranted. What the adjuster won’t tell you, however, is that he is also seeking information that might undercut your claim and reduce his company’s liability. For this reason, accident victims should be extremely wary when talking with an insurance adjuster who might try using a victim’s own innocent comments against him. 5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (1)

Avoid These Common Pitfalls When Talking to an Insurance Adjuster

While in some cases it may be necessary to discuss a claim with an insurance adjuster, Myrtle Beach accident victims are under no obligation to provide more than basic information. In any case, victims should avoid:

Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.

One of the main goals for an insurance adjuster is to shift blame from his insured to someone else, even the victim. Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.

Discussing Injuries and Prognosis.

Only a medical professional can provide an accurate view of injuries and the outlook for your recovery. It is possible that your health situation can change, with injuries worsening or new injuries discovered. It is enough to say that a victim is being treated by a doctor for injuries related to the accident.

Discussing the Circ*mstances of the Accident.

Stick to very basic details of the accident—the date, the time, the location, the vehicles involved, and the names of any witnesses. Even in casual conversation, avoid any further information or speculation. The adjuster can obtain the police report and speak to witnesses to determine the facts of the accident.

5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (2024)

FAQs

5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster? ›

If you admit fault for the accident, even if you say you are only partly responsible for what happened, your claim could be drastically reduced in value or denied outright. Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.”

How long does it take to emotionally recover from a car accident? ›

Everyone's recovery is different. Some people will have strong emotional responses such as fear, sadness, guilt and anger (and other people won't). These feelings are usually brief and should begin to reduce in the days and weeks after the crash. After a car crash, 70% of people are back at work within eight weeks.

What not to say when filing a claim? ›

Don't admit fault. Don't say you aren't injured. If they ask, you should be adamant that you are not sure. Don't sign any release to release your medical records without checking with your lawyer.

Why do I feel weird after a car accident? ›

Immediately after a car accident, and for several days afterwards, people usually experience being in shock. Shock can feel different for everyone, but common symptoms include feeling numb, being in emotional distress, continuing to feel afraid even though the event is over, or having unpredictable mood swings.

How to argue with an insurance adjuster? ›

Be Patient and Persistent: Don't settle for less; negotiate with the insurer for a fair settlement. Consider a Second Opinion: Get an independent appraiser or lawyer to assess your claim's value. Mediation and Arbitration: Explore alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve disagreements.

How do you argue with an adjuster? ›

Tips for Negotiating With an Insurance Claims Adjuster
  1. Come well-prepared with supporting evidence. Records and documentation are critical components of the process. ...
  2. Calculate a full settlement amount. ...
  3. Know your bottom line. ...
  4. Beware of the first offer. ...
  5. Get the settlement offer in writing. ...
  6. Read the fine print.
Feb 17, 2023

Is anxiety after a car accident compensation? ›

If you suffer from anxiety following a car accident, you may be able to pursue compensation. Like with any other car accident claim, your solicitor must be able to prove the following to have a valid case: Another party owed you a duty of care. They breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly.

How long should anxiety last after a car accident? ›

Travel anxiety can make it difficult for victims to move past the car accident and continue traveling as before. These problems may last for only a few weeks or they could continue to haunt the victim for months or even years after the accident.

What are delayed symptoms after a car accident? ›

Many people experience pain after a car accident, and delayed symptoms are common. For instance, you may notice soreness in your neck or shoulders, start to have abdominal pain, or get headaches hours or days after the accident.

What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials? ›

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

What 4 things do you need to write a strong claim? ›

What Is a Main Claim Statement:
  • A claim must be arguable but stated as a fact. It must be debatable with inquiry and evidence; it is not a personal opinion or feeling.
  • A claim defines your writing's goals, direction, and scope.
  • A good claim is specific and asserts a focused argument.
Mar 13, 2018

What is PTSD after a car accident? ›

For many individuals, the symptoms of PTSD following a serious MVA may include psychologically re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., intrusive thoughts about the accident, distressing dreams about the accident), persistent avoidance of thoughts or situations associated with the accident (e.g., reluctance or refusal to ...

Can you get PTSD from a car accident? ›

Car accidents are actually the leading cause of PTSD among the civilian population in the U.S., according to the American Psychological Association, and about 9% of car accident survivors do develop this condition.

What is considered a traumatic car accident? ›

Severe Physical Injuries

Car accident injuries can be life-altering, especially if they involve the following: Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries. Loss of one or more limbs.

How to answer insurance adjuster questions? ›

Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company

Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything. Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference. Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.

What not to say to a home insurance adjuster? ›

Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.

Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.

What happens if you disagree with insurance adjuster? ›

Your insurance policy likely has an arbitration provision, meaning that when you and your adjustor cannot agree, a third party will be assigned to hear you out and recommend a settlement.

Are claims adjusters biased? ›

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

The insurance adjuster has only the best interests of their client in mind and will perform their duties with a certain degree of bias. Some insurance adjusters may even go as far as to employ bad faith tricks to lower the potential payout the insurance company has to deliver.

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