This guide outlines the 5 things you should never say to an insurance company after a traffic accident, according to legal experts.
According to data from the Chicago Department of Transportation, 1,938 reported pedestrian crashes in 2020, resulting in 46 fatalities and 1,646 injuries. Most of these crashes occurred in the city’s central and west side areas. In addition, elderly pedestrians and children under 18 were found to be particularly vulnerable to injury in these accidents.
Traffic accidents require the expertise of a specialist accident lawyer. The devastation caused by careless drivers on the road is a serious issue.
Filing a legal claim can be complicated. Pedestrian-involved car accidents can be more complex than other typical car accidents because there are more parties at play states reputable Chicago personal injury attorney, Adam J. Zayed.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable users of our streets, and accidents can result in life-altering injuries or even death. If you are implicated in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential to be careful about what you say to the insurance company, and it might make sense to hire a lawyer.
5e things to avoid saying to the insurance company after an accident
1 | NEVER SAY – “I’m fine.”
One of the frequent mistakes people make after an accident is telling the insurance company they are fine. Even if you feel okay immediately after the accident, injuries can show up later.
Saying that you’re fine can hurt your case if you later discover that you have an injury. The insurance company may argue that your injury is unrelated to the accident since you initially said you were fine.
To protect your claim and avoid potential pitfalls, it’s wise to consult a Philadelphia car accident lawyer who can guide you on what to say and how to handle conversations with the insurance company.
2 | AVOID REPORTING – “It was my fault.”
Even if you think you were partially or fully responsible for the accident, it’s crucial not to admit fault to the insurance company. A fault is a legal term that has implications for your ability to recover damages.
Let the insurance company investigate the accident and determine fault based on the evidence. Saying it was your fault can hurt your case and limit your ability to recover compensation.
3 | DON’T THINK – “I don’t need a lawyer.”
It’s natural to want to resolve things quickly after an accident, but saying that you don’t need a lawyer can be a mistake. Insurance companies love the business of making money, and they will try to settle your case for as little as possible.
A Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before speaking to the insurance company.
4 | NEVER DECLARE – “I’ll take whatever you offer.”
Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement, hoping you’ll accept less than you’re entitled to. Saying that you’ll take whatever they offer can hurt your case and limit your ability to recover damages. It’s important to consult with a lawyer and understand the full extent of your injuries and damages before accepting any settlement offer.
5 | AVOID SAYING – “I guess this happened..”
After an accident, it’s common to feel disoriented and confused. It’s essential to be honest with the insurance company about what you remember, but it’s also important not to speculate or guess.
If you don’t remember something, it’s okay to say that you don’t remember. Speculating or guessing can hurt your case if the insurance company discovers evidence contradicting your statements.
Final thoughts
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, ensure to be careful about what you say to the insurance company. Contact a Chicago pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. Also, avoid the five statements above to protect your legal rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Photo by Godisable Jacob
