What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster
After an accident, one of the first calls many people make — after checking on their health — is to their insurance company or the other party’s insurance adjuster. While it may seem helpful to be open and cooperative, what you say in those early conversations can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation.
Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that can reduce a claim’s value or even deny it altogether. Your words matter. Unfortunately, many people unintentionally give up valuable legal rights simply by being overly candid, apologizing, or guessing at details. Understanding what not to say can protect your rights and help ensure a more favorable outcome.
“I’m Sorry This Happened.”
Being polite is a natural reaction after a stressful event, but apologies can be misinterpreted as admissions of fault. Insurance companies may use apologies to argue that you were responsible for the accident. Even if you’re just expressing sympathy, an adjuster could twist your words to undermine your claim.
Stay courteous, but avoid any statements that imply responsibility, even indirectly.
“I Feel Fine.”
Right after an accident, adrenaline can mask injuries. It’s common for physical pain or emotional trauma to show up hours or even days later. Telling an adjuster you feel fine may later be interpreted as evidence that you weren’t injured at all. This can drastically reduce the value of your claim or lead to outright denial.
Be honest, but make it clear that you are assessing your condition and seeking medical care.
“I Wasn’t Paying Attention.”
Accidents often involve split-second decisions. Still, acknowledging inattention can be used against you.
An admission of inattention can be framed as negligence, which insurance companies may exploit to reduce or deny liability. Focus on the facts of what occurred, without speculating about your focus or awareness.
“I Don’t Need Medical Treatment.”
Many people turn down treatment at the scene because they feel okay or want to avoid medical bills. But insurance adjusters take such statements seriously.
If you later seek treatment and report injuries, adjusters may argue your injuries aren’t serious or are unrelated to the accident. Even if you decline immediate care, get a medical evaluation soon after. If asked, you can explain that you’re planning to seek medical attention to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
“I’ll Accept Whatever Is Fair.”
This sounds reasonable, but it gives the adjuster control over what “fair” means. Adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible. This statement signals you’re flexible — or uninformed.
Don’t discuss settlement terms until you fully understand the value of your claim.
“I Don’t Want to Hire a Lawyer.”
Some people believe that saying they don’t want legal help improves the chances of a quick settlement. Sharing your legal intentions gives the adjuster insight into your strategy — and potential vulnerabilities.
You don’t need to announce your intentions either way. If you want guidance before talking to an adjuster, that’s your choice.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Talking to an insurance adjuster after an accident or injury might seem straightforward, but what you say can significantly impact your claim. Avoid apologies that imply fault, guesses about facts, admissions of inattention, and statements that undermine your medical treatment or legal rights. When in doubt, speak carefully, focus on known facts, and consider seeking legal guidance before answering detailed questions.
If you’ve been injured and need help navigating conversations with insurance companies — or want a strong advocate on your side — the experienced team at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can assist. We understand how insurance companies operate and work to protect your rights while seeking full compensation on your behalf. Contact us for a free consultation with a Dallas personal injury lawyer and learn how we can support you through every step of your claim.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
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Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
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