Importance of Being Consistent with Your Statements to the Insurance Company

Insurance companies often look for any reason to deny or devalue a claim. Inconsistency in your statements could ultimately be used against you as a reason to deny you compensation.

You should consider speaking to a New Jersey car accident lawyer before you make any statements to the insurance company. An attorney can help determine what to say to the insurance to protect the claim, or he or she could deal with the insurance company for you.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, the initial consultation is free of charge so there is no risk to you.

Dishonesty Could Hurt Your Claim

A common misconception among injury victims is that insurance companies will not offer a settlement unless the person has suffered serious injuries. Although insurers often devalue injury claims, it does not mean you need to exaggerate your minor injuries.

Exaggerating the extent of your injuries is dishonest and could ultimately hurt your claim because the insurance company could use this against you.

Remember, there are several tactics used by insurers to devalue claims, including putting injury victims under surveillance. If you exaggerate a back injury but are caught on camera performing an action you claimed you could not do, it could undermine your claim and ultimately lead to it being denied even though you did suffer an injury.

Consistency Protects Your Credibility

When a claim is filed, the injured person usually speaks to an adjuster assigned to the claim. Generally, they will ask that you provide a recorded statement to assess the extent of your damages. During this conversation, the adjuster is likely to ask about the seriousness of your injuries.

Insurance companies document every statement you make to them, including statements about your injuries. Consistent statements help to prove you have been injured. Consistently gives the insurance company very little to use against you.

Tips on Consistency

When discussing the accident with the adjuster, it is important to use clear, simple language and stick to the facts. You should not make assumptions about the accident or your injuries. Remember that insurers often try to trick injury victims into saying something that may hurt them later.

When you share more information than is asked, you could inadvertently say something that calls past statements into question. You could also make statements that sound like admissions of fault. For example, if you say you were in a rush when a car crash happened, the insurance company may say you were distracted and are to blame for the accident.

Anything you are unsure about when speaking to the insurance company should be discussed with your attorney. He or she may be able to relay this information to the insurance company to help protect your credibility.

It may be helpful to write down what you plan to say to the insurance company and review it with your lawyer. Stick to the script to help protect your claim. You may also want to take notes while talking to the insurance company and write down what you said after the phone call or conversation has concluded.

Speak to an Attorney First. Call Today

Consistency in your statements to the insurance company is important because it protects your credibility and may help you recover the compensation you need for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Since 1994, our firm has been a staunch advocate for the injured, helping defend their rights against negligent parties and dishonest insurance practices.

We work on contingency, meaning we do not charge you any hourly fees and only get paid if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Call today for a free consultation: (800) 518-0508