Following a car crash, insurance companies will send a claims adjuster to handle claims filed against it. Thus, injured victims should expect a call from an adjuster who may try to get a recorded statement from them. But, insurance companies make this attempt to try to get victims to say something that can make their claim refutable. Likewise, the insurance adjuster will consider your statements at the crash scene to reduce or deny or claim. Thankfully, you can avoid these risks when you let one of the most respected car accident attorneys Los Angeles handle talks with the insurance adjuster. They can discuss why a victim must err on the side of caution when talking to any person involved following a car crash.
When Can Your Words Hurt Your Claim
When you file a car accident claim, you seek damages from the at-fault party or their insurance provider. But, insurance companies will not just accept responsibility without a fight. Instead, they will look to the evidence at the accident scene to determine liability. Also, they may assess statements that drivers and witnesses made. Whatever you say at the crash scene could possibly be used against you. Thus, you should not say something that shows you are sorry for what happened. Otherwise, the insurance company may assert that you are admitting fault for the crash. Also, you should avoid the following:
- Making health-related statements. An insurance adjuster may call you soon after the crash and ask about your health. Make sure you do not say that feel fine or downplay your injuries. Instead, just say that you are getting treatment and let your attorney account for your health condition based on what your medical records say.
- Giving guesses. Never tell the responding police or the adjuster any guesses like how the crash took place, the speed at which you were traveling, or other things you are not sure about. When your statements are found inaccurate later, they could compromise your claim.
- Stating opinions. Do not give opinions on the crash such as blaming the other driver. Allow the adjuster to investigate it and reach their conclusions.
You Might be Wrong
One reason you must be careful about saying something following your accident is that you might be wrong about what occurred. Even if you think you contributed to the collision, you probably don’t know all the factors involved in your case. The other driver could be speeding, distracted, drunk, or disobeying traffic laws.
