3 Questions Insurance Companies Ask You After a Car Accident (And How You Should Respond)
If you have been involved in a Florida car accident, one of the first calls you can expect to receive is from an insurance adjuster. While insurance adjusters might seem friendly, it is vital to note that they are not really on your side. Their main goal is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. Insurance adjusters are focused on limiting payouts and not ensuring you recover the full compensation you deserve.
The way you handle the call with insurance adjusters can impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. What you say during these conversations is vital. Even a seemingly innocent response can be twisted to reduce or deny your claim. Knowing the questions to expect and how to answer them can make a big difference in your case. Below, we share three questions insurance companies usually ask after a car accident and how to answer them.
Question 1: “How Are You Feeling Today?”
This may come off as the insurance adjuster being compassionate or even concerned about your well-being. But the truth is that this question is often a strategy. If you say “I’m fine,” or “I feel okay,” the insurance company might use your words to argue that you are not seriously hurt or you don’t need much medical care.
Never downplay your injuries while speaking to an adjuster. Instead of giving the above responses, you could say something like, “I am recovering,” or “I am hurt/I’m in pain, but I am not sure of the extent of my injuries yet; I am receiving treatment.” Alternatively, you can avoid answering the question and direct the adjuster to your attorney or say something like, “Hi, are you calling about the accident?”
Question 2: “Can We Record Your Statement?”
The insurance adjuster might tell you that recording your statement is part of the claims process. The truth is that insurers ask for recorded statements so they can use your words against you. Adjusters are trained to find mistakes in your story and ask leading questions.
Respond by politely declining and explaining that you will only speak through your attorney. Your own insurance company might require cooperation, but you still have the right to seek legal guidance before giving any statement.
Question 3: “Can You Sign a Medical Authorization Form for Us?”
The insurance company might ask you to sign a blanket medical authorization form, giving them access to all your medical history. If you sign a blanket authorization form, the insurance company might use it to look for information it can use against you. For example, it might look for evidence of pre-existing conditions to try to argue that your injuries are not related to the accident.
You aren’t legally obligated to sign a broad medical release form, and it is advisable that you don’t. If asked to give full access to your medical records, politely decline and speak with an attorney. An attorney can ensure the insurance company only receives the records it is legally entitled to.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Orlando car accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help protect you from cunning insurance companies and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.