What Should You Say to the Insurance Company After an Accident?
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What should I say to the insurance company?”
The short answer is simple.
1. If You Have a Lawyer, Say Nothing
If you are already represented:
- Tell the insurance company: “Please contact my attorney.”
- Do not answer questions
- Do not give statements
That is your lawyer’s job.
2. If You Don’t Have a Lawyer Yet
If you have not hired a lawyer but are planning to:
Only discuss property damage.
That means:
- Getting your car repaired
- Arranging a rental vehicle
Do not discuss:
- How the accident happened
- Who was at fault
- Your injuries or how you feel
3. Why You Should Not Talk About Injuries
Right after a crash, adrenaline is high.
Many people say:
“I’m fine.”
But over the next few days:
- Pain increases
- Symptoms appear
- Injuries become clearer
If you told the insurance company you were not hurt, they may use that against you later.
4. Never Give a Recorded Statement
Insurance companies often ask for a recorded statement.
You are not required to give one.
Even if they say:
“We can’t fix your car without it.”
That is not true.
In most cases:
- The police report already exists
- Liability has already been evaluated
A recorded statement only gives them more opportunities to minimize or deny your claim.
5. Do Not Accept Early Settlement Money
Be very careful about accepting money.
You should never sign:
- A general release
- A bodily injury release
This can end your case immediately and prevent you from recovering anything further.
If payment is needed for your car:
- Have the insurance company pay the body shop directly
This avoids confusion and protects your injury claim.
6. Less Is More
The more you say, the more they can use against you.
Insurance companies are trained to:
- Look for inconsistencies
- Find reasons to reduce your claim
- Shift blame where possible
Limiting communication protects your case.
Final Thoughts
After an accident, your focus should be on:
- Getting medical care
- Protecting your rights
- Avoiding costly mistakes
If you are unsure what to say, it is always safer to say less and get guidance first.
You can request our free Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents here:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
Or visit:
👉 https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/
In pain? Call Shane.
📞 980-999-9999
