You will probably hear from an insurance adjuster after a car accident. This person works for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to gather information about the crash, your injuries, and any property damage. They may sound friendly, but their main goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.
Insurance adjusters ask questions to find out what happened, but also to look for ways to limit what the insurance company pays. Anything you say to an insurance company after a car accident can be used against you. The safest approach is to say as little as possible and let an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney protect your interests from the start.
At Amircani Law, we’re committed to helping Georgia accident victims navigate the complex insurance claims process and recover the compensation they deserve
What Not to Say to the Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident
When you speak with an insurance adjuster after a car accident, your words can impact your claim and your compensation. At Amircani Law, we want you to be prepared so you do not accidentally hurt your case. Here are the most important things to avoid saying to the insurance company after a car accident.
Never Admit Fault or Apologize
Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used by the insurance company as an admission of fault. In Georgia, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Do not say anything that sounds like you are accepting blame. A statement like “I didn’t see them” or “I should have been paying more attention” can be used to suggest you were negligent.
Stick to the facts—explain what happened without opinions or apologies. Determining fault in a car accident is complex and requires a thorough investigation of the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction.
Don’t Downplay Your Injuries
Saying “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad” can lead to the insurance adjuster offering you less money for your injuries. Many injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not show up right away.
If you tell an adjuster you’re not injured, they’ll document that statement and use it against you later if you seek compensation for medical treatment. If you later claim you have neck pain, back injuries, or headaches, the insurance company will argue that these injuries either don’t exist or weren’t caused by the accident.
Always say you are seeking medical attention and do not give details until you have seen a doctor.
Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement. While you may be required to cooperate with your own insurance company to some extent, you are generally not obligated to give a detailed statement to the other driver’s insurer, especially not a recorded one.
These recordings can be used against you. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions, and your words can be misinterpreted as admitting fault. If your story changes as you remember more details, the insurance company could question your credibiliity.
You are not required to give a recorded statement right away. Politely decline and let the adjuster know your attorney will handle communications.
Don’t Speculate About the Accident
Don’t guess at speeds, distances, timing, or other details. Insurance adjusters will hold you to whatever you say, and if later evidence contradicts your estimates, they’ll use those inconsistencies to undermine your credibility.
Saying “I think” or “maybe” can weaken your case. Only share facts you know for sure and let the police report and investigation provide the rest.
Don’t Provide Unnecessary Personal Information
Stick to the basics—your name, contact information, and insurance details. Do not share information about your job, finances, or unrelated medical history. The adjuster may use this information to find reasons to deny or reduce your claim.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid with Insurance Adjusters
After a crash, the things you do can be just as important as the things you say. Even if you’re careful with your words, certain missteps can still weaken your claim or reduce the compensation you deserve. At Amircani Law, we often see clients unintentionally hurt their cases by accepting the first settlement offered, posting about the accident on social media, or delaying medical care.
Understanding these common mistakes—and how to avoid them—can make a significant difference in protecting your rights after an accident.
Accepting the First Settlement
One of the biggest mistakes is accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company after a car accident. Initial offers are typically low-ball amounts that don’t come close to covering the full extent of your damages. Before you can accurately assess the value of your claim, you need to know the full extent of your injuries and damages. This includes:
- All current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and vehicle replacement or repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Many injuries require ongoing treatment, physical therapy, or even surgery down the line. If you accept a settlement offer, you cannot seek additional compensation later, even if your medical expenses far exceed the settlement amount.
Signing a Medical Release Without Legal Advice
The insurance adjuster may ask you to sign a medical release. Do not sign anything that gives them access to your entire medical history. The insurance company will comb through your medical records looking for any pre-existing conditions, prior injuries, or past treatments they can use to devalue your claim.
Never sign a medical release without having an attorney review it first. A lawyer can help ensure that any release is properly limited to records directly relevant to your accident injuries.
Posting on Social Media After a Car Crash
Insurance adjusters check social media for posts about your accident or injuries. Even innocent photos or updates can be used to challenge your claim. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering might be used to argue you’re not really suffering from depression or pain.
Avoid posting anything related to your accident or recovery. The safest approach is not to post anything on social media until your claim is resolved.
Waiting to Get Medical Attention
Always see a doctor after a car accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away. Early medical records help prove your injuries are related to the accident. Follow all medical advice and keep records of your visits, treatments, and any time missed from work.
By following these guidelines, you protect yourself and your claim. Contact Amircani Law before speaking with the insurance adjuster after a car accident. We are here to help you through every step.
How a Lawyer Deals With the Insurance Company After a Car Accident
Dealing with an insurance adjuster after a car accident can feel overwhelming. At Amircani Law, we see how insurance companies use your words to lower or deny your claim. Their questions may seem harmless, but their main job is to protect the insurance company’s interests, not yours. This is why it is important to let a lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company after a car accident.
Lawyers Communicate With the Insurance Company
When you hire Amircani Law, we take over all communication with the insurance adjuster after your car accident. We respond to calls and letters, handle paperwork, and answer questions on your behalf. This protects you from making statements that could damage your claim. We also make sure you do not sign anything that gives the insurance company access to your full medical history or waives your rights.
Car Accident Attorneys Collect Evidence
Rather than relying on the insurance company’s version of events, an experienced car accident attorney will conduct a detailed investigation of the crash. This may include:
- Obtaining police reports and accident scene photographs
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
- Reviewing traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Analyzing vehicle damage patterns
- Examining road conditions and potential contributing factors
This comprehensive investigation is critical for building a strong car accident case.
Lawyers Understand What Your Case Is Worth
Insurance companies hope you don’t understand the true value of your claim. An experienced personal injury attorney will assess all your losses, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
We work with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to document the full impact of your injuries and ensure you seek appropriate compensation.
Attorneys Fight for the Compensation You Deserve
Personal injury attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and understand the strategies that lead to favorable settlements. We know when an offer is fair and when to push back for more. We’re also prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation.
Insurance companies take claims more seriously when an attorney is involved because they know we understand the law and won’t accept an inadequate settlement.
Contact Amircani Law Today for a Free Consultation
The aftermath of a car accident is stressful and overwhelming, but the decisions you make in the days and weeks following the collision can significantly impact your financial recovery. By understanding what not to say to insurance adjusters and avoiding common mistakes, you give yourself the best chance of obtaining fair compensation.
At Amircani Law in Atlanta, we’re committed to helping accident victims navigate the complex insurance claims process and recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Georgia, contact us for a free consultation before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
