After getting into a car crash, there is a pretty good chance that you’ll be speaking with an insurance agent. It is smart to refer the agent to your attorney without giving any kind of statement, but if you do have to have a conversation, you should know what you should or should not say.
Whether this crash is your fault or not, it’s important not to use any trigger words when you speak with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer. Here are three things you should never say if you end up speaking with them directly.
- I apologize
You should never apologize when you speak with an insurance agent. First of all, most calls to insurance are recorded. That means that they will have you on record as apologizing for the accident. Second, when someone says they’re sorry, it usually means that they feel they are at fault in some way. Don’t make it seem like you hold any blame by saying you’re sorry.
- I have … (a brain injury, whiplash, broken bones, etc.)
Don’t self-diagnose when you’re on the phone with the insurance company. Your medical team should be who decides which injuries you have and should be making a claim for. If you start making claims right away about the injuries you have, the insurance company could think that you’re trying to defraud them. Wait until you have a diagnosis from a professional to say what happened.
- I’m fine
Just like you shouldn’t self-diagnose injuries, you also shouldn’t claim that you’re fine when you’re not sure if you are. While you very well may have walked away without injuries, don’t say so until you have a full, clear bill of health from your medical provider.
If an agent calls, don’t speak with them
These are three things that you should never say to your insurance company or any other agent you speak with. If they do call you, tell them that they should contact your attorney and speak with them instead. Doing that will help you protect yourself against making mistakes that could cost you much of your case’s potential value.