A few days after your accident, you’ll get a call from an unknown number. The person on the other end will introduce themselves as an “insurance adjuster” for the other driver. They will sound incredibly friendly and concerned, asking about your well-being. They will then politely ask to record your statement, “just to confirm a few facts.”
Many people believe they should cooperate, but this phone call is the most sophisticated trap designed to devalue your claim.
Why is This Phone Call So Dangerous?
The insurance adjuster’s only goal is to minimize the amount of money they have to pay you in order to protect their company’s profits. They will use your kindness and confusion to achieve the following:
- Use Your Words as a Weapon: During the recorded statement, an innocent comment like “I think I’m okay” or “I wish I had been a little more careful…” will be used as evidence that your injuries are minor or that you were partially at fault.
- Shift the Blame to You: They are trained to ask tricky questions that guide you into admitting some level of responsibility for the accident.
- Downplay Your Injuries: When they ask, “Are you in a lot of pain?” and you politely respond, “I’m doing alright,” they will document this as proof that your injuries are not severe.
- Push for a Quick, Low Settlement: They will try to get you to agree to a fast settlement for a ridiculously low amount before you have a chance to get a proper valuation from an attorney.
So, How Should You Respond?
Be polite, but firm. Say only the following words:
“I will not be giving any statements until I have consulted with my attorney. My attorney will be in contact.”
You do not need to explain or apologize further. The surest way to protect your rights is to end the call.
The One “Right” Phone Call You Should Make
The phone call from the other driver’s insurance company is designed to take away your rights. The first, and only, right phone call you should make is to a personal injury specialist, like our team at Car Crash.
We fight the insurance company on your behalf and will not let you be tricked into giving a damaging statement. Discuss everything about your recovery and compensation with our expert team. Your consultation is free and it will be the most important first step you take to protect your future.
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We are the Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer team providing legal services for accident victims centered in Tacoma and across Pierce County, including Puyallup, Lakewood, and Federal Way. Your local specialist is here to recover your rights. Tacoma Car Crash Lawyer | Car Crash Washington
