Within days—sometimes hours—of an accident, your phone will ring. It will be a friendly representative from the other driver’s insurance company. They will sound concerned and helpful, saying they just want to “clear up a few details” to get your claim processed.
The Myth: “The other driver’s insurance company just wants to hear my side of the story so they can pay for my car repairs.”
The Fact: This is a trap. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their goal is to lower the value of your claim. They record these calls to catch you saying things that can be used against you later.
- If they ask, “How are you?” and you say “I’m fine” (out of politeness), they record that as “Victim states no injuries.”
- If they ask, “How fast were you going?” they are looking for you to admit to speeding or distraction.
The Pro Tip: You have zero legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Memorize this script and use it: “I am not providing a recorded statement at this time. Please direct all future questions to my attorney.” Then, hang up.
Conclusion: Let us handle the talking. We know their tactics and how to protect your statement from being twisted.
Dealing with a denied, delayed, or underpaid claim? See how our insurance claim dispute lawyers can help.
Kweku Darfoor is the founder of The Injury Advocates (Darfoor Law Firm, P.A.), a member of The Florida Bar since 2014, and a Plantation-based personal injury attorney representing seriously injured people and their families across Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida. This content is for general information and is not legal advice.
