The aftermath of a crash on the streets of Miami can be overwhelming. Between medical concerns, property damage, and the stress of what just happened, it’s easy to feel lost about what to do. One of the early steps is contacting your insurance company, but what you say can affect your claim.
While it may seem like a routine conversation, insurance representatives are trained to gather information that protects their interests and minimizes payouts. Even when speaking to your own insurer, it’s important to remain cautious and protect your legal position.
Read on to learn when to contact your insurance company, what to say (and what not to say), and how a Miami auto accident lawyer can help protect your settlement.
When Should You Call Your Insurance Company?
If you’ve been in a crash involving damage or injury, you usually need to let your insurer know as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report the accident within 24 to 48 hours so they can begin investigating and determining who is liable. Because this time frame can vary based on the insurer, make sure to check your policy documents to determine how soon you must report an accident.
Even if the crash wasn’t your fault or seemed minor, you should still report it. In Florida, drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP), and many also have optional coverages like collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist policies.
Notifying your insurer keeps those options available, especially if the other driver fled the scene or doesn’t carry insurance.
What Will Your Insurance Company Ask?
When you speak to a representative, expect questions like:
- Where and when did the crash happen?
- Who was involved?
- Was a police report filed?
- What vehicles were damaged?
- Were you or anyone else injured?
- Do you have any photos or documentation?
These questions help the company begin your claim and determine what type of support or coverage(s) may apply. But there’s a right way to answer and a few things you should avoid saying.
What To Say: Protecting Your Legal Rights
When an adjuster calls, the conversation might feel casual, but your answers matter. Keep things short and factual, and focus only on what you know.
When they ask what happened, stick to the basics: “I was driving north on Ocean Drive when another vehicle struck me from the side at the intersection.” Don’t guess about speed, direction, or who had the right of way. Just describe what you saw and experienced.
If the adjuster asks about your injuries and you haven’t been to a doctor yet, be honest but brief: “I’m not sure yet. I’m seeing a doctor to get checked out.” This preserves your right to get care and pursue compensation.
What Not To Say: Mistakes That Could Jeopardize Your Case
Adjusters often use subtle tactics to get you to talk more than you should. You might feel pressure to be helpful or polite, but there are a few things you should never say, even to your own insurer.
Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid phrases like “I didn’t see them” or “I might’ve been going too fast.” Even if you think you made a mistake, you don’t have all the facts yet. Let the investigation determine who caused the crash.
Don’t Guess
If you’re not sure about something, say so. It’s fine to respond with “I don’t know yet” or “I’m still gathering information.” Wrong guesses can get twisted and used against you later.
Don’t Say You’re “Fine” Too Soon
Injuries often develop over hours or days. Once you say you’re fine, it becomes harder to change your story later if new symptoms appear. Wait until you’ve been examined, and even then, it’s a good idea to let a skilled lawyer speak on your behalf to explain your condition and support your claim.
Don’t Offer More Than What’s Asked
You might think adding extra detail helps, but it can create confusion or raise questions you didn’t intend. If the adjuster didn’t ask about something, don’t bring it up. A quick comment like “I was in a hurry” or “I didn’t think the damage looked that bad” can work against you.
Why Your Own Insurance Company May Not Be on Your Side
It might seem surprising, but your own insurance company isn’t always on your side. While they provide coverage, their goal is to minimize payouts, including yours.
In some cases, your insurer might question the severity of your injuries, challenge your eligibility for certain benefits, or try to shift responsibility off of themselves and onto you. If you rely on coverage like uninsured motorist protection, they may treat your claim more like an opposing party would.
That’s why it’s so important to choose your words carefully. What you say can influence how your claim is handled and whether you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How an Attorney Can Help
After a crash, every conversation you have with an insurance company can influence the outcome of your claim. A skilled legal team can take control of the process early, reducing the risk of costly delays, lowball offers, or mistakes that could hurt your recovery.
Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
- Advise you on what to say and what to avoid.
- Collect and present strong evidence to support your claim.
- Push back against unfair or inadequate settlement offers.
- Fairly calculate the full value of your damages, including future costs.
- Handle disputes over liability, coverage, or compensation.
We take on the insurance companies head-on so you can concentrate on recovery. At Aigen Injury Law, your results are our priority.
Get Experienced Legal Representation With Aigen Injury Law
Insurance companies act fast after a crash, often trying to minimize what they owe. At Aigen Injury Law, we help clients avoid costly mistakes when dealing with insurers by stepping in early and managing all communication to keep your claim on track.
From investigating the crash to negotiating a fair settlement, our team handles every detail so you can focus on getting well. We’ve secured million-dollar settlements for injured clients across Miami and bring the same client-first approach to every case.
The right words after a crash can protect your claim. Let our experienced Miami car accident lawyers deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.