You should avoid saying the following things to other people and/or the insurance company after a car accident:
- Anything that implies fault
- Information about the nature of your condition
- What you were doing before, during, and after the collision
To file your claim, you will have to provide the insurance company with basic information like your name, birthdate, and policy number. Saying anything beyond these parameters could jeopardize your case.
Avoid Giving Statements Like These to Other People or the Insurance Company
As a rule of thumb, you do not want to provide any information beyond what is absolutely necessary. This is one of the many reasons why injured claimants choose to work with lawyers – their attorneys can supply all necessary information to the involved parties for them.
As noted above, here are some statements that you should avoid giving:
Anything That Implies You Caused the Accident
Insurance companies do not want to pay out claims because it is not profitable for their bottom line. They make money by selling policies, not settling them. As such, any implication of fault could derail your case and give the insurer reason to delay its progression.
Even saying something like “I’m sorry, I had a long day” could make it sound as if you caused the crash.
Other innocuous statements that might also imply fault include:
- Information about your vehicle’s roadworthiness. Don’t say things like “This car’s always giving me trouble.” The insurer could interpret this as an admission that you don’t properly maintain your vehicle and may have caused the collision.
- Statements about your emotions. Keep all conversations between you and the insurance company completely factual. Avoid saying “I feel so bad about what happened” or “I just wasn’t feeling myself that day.” Even if these things are true, the insurance company could twist them into an admission of fault.
Information About Your Condition
In the days following your accident, the liable insurance company will likely contact you. A representative may ask you for information about your condition, including your treatment plan, medications, and overall well-being.
They may sound as if they are genuinely concerned about you. But in reality, claims adjusters will look for any reason to deny the nature of your injuries.
Avoid saying:
- “I haven’t been to the doctor yet.”
- “I think I’m okay.”
- “I feel fine today.”
- “I’m sure I’ll feel better soon.”
Again, only give information that is factual. You do not want the insurance company to underestimate the severity of your injuries or your prognosis.
What You Were Doing Before, During, and After the Collision
The insurance company will conduct its own investigation into what caused the collision. The investigator will speak with witnesses, review the police report, and evaluate the involved vehicles’ black box data.
Do not under any circumstances share what you were doing before, during, and after the collision. Even saying “I was talking to my friend” could imply fault for the collision.
Avoid Posting About the Incident on Social Media
Giving statements to the insurance company or other people goes beyond verbal conversation – it also extends to what you post online. Posting anything on social media, including pictures of your vehicle or your external injuries, could give the insurance company reasons to contest your claim.
You do not have to delete your social media accounts altogether. Yet, we advise you against:
- Accepting friend requests from strangers or “friends of friends”
- Responding to direct messages from the involved parties
- Posting anything that implies fault or makes accusations
- Posting anything to the liable insurance company’s page
Our law firm can advise you on other measures that could protect your claim.
What Information Should I Share with the Insurance Company?
To file a successful claim, you will have to give the insurance company some basic information. If you partner with our law firm, we can give the claims adjuster all the information they need to process your case. This information may include:
- Your name
- The make, model, and color of your vehicle
- Your license plate number
- Your contact information
- Your insurance policy number
- Your driver’s license and registration information
Why Work with a Lawyer From Our Firm on Your Case?
Once you partner with our team, you do not have to worry about giving too much information to the insurer. We will handle all necessary communications, so you can focus on healing from your injuries. This includes emails, text messages, phone calls, and other forms of communication.
Our firm can also:
- File your case within Virginia’s statute of limitations, as outlined under Code § 8.01-243
- Handle your case on a contingency-fee basis
- Gather all necessary information to prove your case
- Calculate the value of your losses
- Protect you from bad faith insurance practices
- Seek the compensation you need to fully recover
Contact the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Today
We are ready to manage your car accident case from beginning to end. Our founding partner, Attorney Jim Parrish, began his career representing insurance companies. During that time, he saw the incredible lengths these companies will go to deny perfectly valid claims. Now, he has dedicated his practice to protecting claimants against the very same insurers he once represented.
To learn how our car accident lawyers in Loudoun County can help with your case, call us today at (571) 229-1800 for a free consultation.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form
