After an accident, your first instinct is to trust the system. You assume the insurance company – whether it’s yours or the other driver’s – is there to help you. You think they’ll be fair, cover your medical bills, pay for the damage, and let you move on with your life.
But here’s the truth: Insurance companies aren’t in the business of being fair. They’re in the business of making money. And the less they pay out, the more they profit. If you’re not careful, that trust can be used against you – leaving you with a settlement that barely scratches the surface of what you really need to recover.
That’s why you have to go into the claims process with your eyes wide open. With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at how to protect yourself and avoid letting insurance companies take advantage of you after an accident.
Don’t Rush Into Giving a Statement
One of the first things an insurance adjuster will ask for is a recorded statement. They’ll say it’s just to “get your side of the story.” But be warned: anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.
You might casually mention that you’re feeling “better,” even though you’re still in pain. Or you might admit you’re not entirely sure what happened, which could be twisted into an admission of fault. These statements are carefully documented and often used to dispute or devalue your claim.
You’re not legally required to give a recorded statement without legal advice,especially to the other party’s insurer. If you’re unsure what to say, don’t say anything yet. It’s okay to wait until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
If the insurance company calls and offers a quick settlement, it might feel like a relief. (After all, you’re probably stressed and just trying to make ends meet.) But those early offers are almost always way below what your claim is actually worth.
Why? Because they’re hoping you’ll take the money before you realize the full cost of your injury.
Maybe you haven’t seen the final medical bill yet. Or it’s possible that you don’t know if you’ll need physical therapy, future surgeries, time off work, etc. If you accept a lowball offer too early, you give up the right to seek additional compensation later, even if your condition worsens.
Keeping this in mind, don’t agree to anything or sign any paperwork until you’ve had a chance to review your damages in full.
Watch What You Say (and Post)
Believe it or not, insurance companies often monitor your online activity. That happy photo you post at a family BBQ might be used to argue that you’re not actually in pain. And a casual comment where you tell someone online you’re “doing fine” could be twisted to say your injuries aren’t serious.
It doesn’t matter if the post had nothing to do with your case. If it gives the impression that you’re healthy, active, and living life as usual, it can work against you.
After an accident, keep a low profile on social media. Better yet, stay off it entirely until your case is resolved. You might even want to ask your friends and family not to tag you in posts or share updates about your recovery. The less public information available, the less ammo insurers have to use against you.
Don’t Assume They Have Your Best Interest in Mind
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. They may seem friendly and sympathetic, but remember, they’re not on your side. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line, which means looking for any opportunity to reduce, deny, or delay your claim.
Insurance companies will ask misleading questions and might even downplay the seriousness of your injuries. In some cases, they could even try to blame you for the accident.
It’s important that you stay calm and skeptical. You can be polite, but don’t give away more information than necessary. Just stick to the facts and, when in doubt, tell them you’re seeking legal advice before continuing the conversation.
Keep Detailed Records of Everything
If you want to level the playing field, documentation is your best weapon.
- Keep every piece of paper related to your accident and recovery – medical reports, bills, receipts, pay stubs, prescriptions, travel expenses, and correspondence with the insurance company.
- Consider keeping a journal so you can document your symptoms, pain levels, doctor’s appointments, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. These personal notes can help support your claim and show the real impact the accident has had on your physical and emotional well-being.
If something seems minor now, don’t assume it’ll stay that way. Every detail counts, and strong records can make or break your case.
Know When to Call an Attorney
You might not need a lawyer for a minor fender bender. But if your injuries are serious, the bills are piling up, or the insurance company starts giving you the runaround, it’s time to get legal help.
A personal injury attorney understands how the system works – and how insurance companies play the game. They’ll handle all of the paperwork and negotiations so that you get the compensation you actually deserve. And in case you aren’t aware, they work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless they win your case.