After a car crash, the flurry of activity begins almost immediately. Emergency responders may be at the scene, you might be arranging a tow truck, and medical evaluations could be underway. Once the dust settles, though, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance company.
Whether it’s your own provider or the other driver’s insurer, how you handle this conversation can influence the outcome of your claim.
Knowing what to say—and what not to say—helps you protect your rights and avoid pitfalls that could limit your compensation.
Stay Calm and Professional
First impressions matter, especially when speaking with insurance adjusters. Even if you’re frustrated, injured, or overwhelmed, try to keep your emotions in check. Insurance representatives are trained to handle stressful situations, but also pay attention to your tone, responses, and level of cooperation.
Remaining calm and professional following a car accident builds credibility. It also allows you to stay focused and avoid saying things you might later regret.
Give yourself a moment before answering any call from the insurance company. If you’re not ready to talk, it’s okay to reschedule. You’re not obligated to provide an immediate statement, especially if you’re still shaken up or dealing with medical treatment.
Once you’re in a better headspace, you’ll be able to provide clearer and more accurate information.
Know Who You’re Talking To
When the phone rings, ask the caller to identify themselves. Find out whether they work for your insurance company or the other party’s. If it’s your own insurer, you’ll usually need to cooperate under the terms of your policy.
However, the dynamic shifts if the caller represents the other driver’s insurance company. You’re not required to speak to them at all, and if you do, you should proceed with caution.
The other side’s insurance adjusters are looking for ways to limit their company’s liability. They may sound friendly or casual, but their job is to gather information that could reduce or deny your claim.
Knowing who you’re speaking with helps you tailor your responses and understand what’s at stake.
Stick to the Facts
When discussing the crash, avoid speculation or assigning blame. Provide basic, factual information: the date, time, location, and vehicles involved. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so.
Don’t guess or assume. For instance, if they ask about your speed or whether you saw the other driver before the impact, it’s fine to say you’re unsure. Guessing could create inconsistencies that might be used against you later.
You also don’t need to offer detailed descriptions of your injuries right away. In many cases, injuries evolve over time. What seems like minor soreness today could become a more serious issue in the following days. Saying you’re “fine” too early in the process can hurt your claim if new symptoms arise.
It’s best to say that you’re seeking medical treatment and will share more information once you have a clearer picture.
Avoid Recorded Statements Without Guidance
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. They might frame it as routine or necessary for processing your claim. However, agreeing to a recorded statement without legal guidance is rarely in your best interest. These recordings become part of the claim file and can be scrutinized for inconsistencies.
Even small slips—like using uncertain language or contradicting earlier statements—can weaken your case.
You’re not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. If your own company requests one, you can ask to delay it until you’ve had a chance to review the situation with an attorney.
A legal advisor can help prepare you for the statement, ensuring your responses are consistent as you protect your rights.
Be Careful Discussing Settlements
After a crash, you may receive a quick offer from the at-fault driver’s insurer. It might be tempting to accept it, especially if you’re facing medical bills or car repair costs. But initial settlement offers are often lower than what your claim is actually worth.
Insurance companies rely on speed and pressure to get you to settle early before the full scope of your injuries or losses becomes clear.
If you’re offered a settlement, don’t agree to anything on the spot. Avoid signing documents or cashing checks without understanding the long-term implications. Once you accept a settlement, you generally waive your right to pursue additional compensation.
It’s wise to have an attorney review the offer and help you evaluate whether it reflects the full value of your claim.
Let Your Lawyer Handle Complex Communications
It makes sense to consult an attorney in more serious crashes, especially those involving injuries, disputed liability, or significant damage.
Once you hire a lawyer, they can take over communications with the insurance companies. This removes the pressure from you and ensures that everything is handled professionally and strategically.
Legal counsel also levels the playing field. Insurance adjusters deal with claims every day and know the system inside and out. Most crash victims don’t. A personal injury lawyer helps protect your interests, negotiates for fair compensation, and advises you when it’s time to speak—or stay silent.
Take Notes and Keep Records
Even if you’re handling communications on your own, keep detailed notes. Write down the names of people you speak with, the dates and times of calls, and what was discussed. Save emails, letters, and voicemail messages. Documenting everything gives you a timeline and protects you if there are disagreements about what was said or promised.
It’s also helpful to keep records related to your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, lost income, and any other expenses tied to the crash. Having this information organized makes it easier to support your claim and respond to insurance requests without delay.
Talking to the insurance company after a crash doesn’t have to be stressful—if you know how to approach it.
Stay calm, stick to the facts, and avoid making assumptions or agreeing to anything too quickly.
At GDH Law, we believe that understanding your rights and boundaries keeps you in control of the conversation. And if the situation becomes more complicated than you expected, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance.
A careful, informed approach goes a long way in protecting your recovery and your future.
