Dealing with an insurance company after a personal injury is stressful. What you say can affect your claim, so communicate carefully. Insurance adjusters often look for information that could reduce the payout, making it essential to know what to share and what to avoid. At the same time, giving accurate details about the accident, your injuries, and medical treatment helps your claim move forward properly.
In this article, we’ll explain what to tell and what not to tell the insurance company.
Information You Should Always Provide
When handling a personal injury claim, knowing what information to share with the insurance company is critical. Providing accurate and necessary details helps move your claim forward while avoiding potential pitfalls. It’s important to be honest, concise, and factual, without volunteering extra information that could be misinterpreted.
1. Basic Accident Details
Always provide clear, factual information about the accident itself. This includes the time, date, and location, as well as the names and contact details of anyone involved. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened or assigning blame. Giving precise details allows the insurance company to verify the circumstances and supports your credibility.
David Carter, of the personal injury lawyers at Gould Cooksey Fennell, advises, “Stick to the facts when describing the accident. Clear, concise information strengthens your claim and prevents misunderstandings.”
2. Injuries Sustained
Explain the injuries you experienced clearly and honestly. Include visible injuries, pain, discomfort, or limitations in mobility. Describe how the injuries affect your daily life and work, but avoid exaggerating or minimizing them. Being accurate about your condition helps ensure that your medical needs and recovery process are properly recognized and documented.
3. Medical Treatment
Provide details about any medical care you’ve received. This includes doctor visits, diagnostic tests, procedures, prescriptions, therapy sessions, or any ongoing treatment. Insurance companies rely on this information to verify the extent of your injuries and the reasonableness of medical expenses. Keeping thorough records and sharing them promptly strengthens your claim.
4. Documentation and Evidence
Always share any relevant documentation that supports your claim. Accident reports, photographs of the scene or injuries, and witness contact information are critical pieces of evidence. These documents help the insurance company understand the circumstances and verify your statements without needing to interpret personal opinions.
5. Contact Information
Provide accurate and up-to-date contact details. This ensures the insurance company can reach you for updates, requests for documents, or clarification. Failing to give correct contact information can delay your claim or create complications.
According to Alex Begum, Laredo personal injury lawyer at Texas Law Guns, Injury & Accident Lawyers, “Keeping your contact information current ensures your claim moves forward smoothly and prevents unnecessary delays or misunderstandings.”
Information You Should Not Share
When communicating with an insurance company after a personal injury, being cautious about what you say is just as important as providing the right details. Certain statements or disclosures can unintentionally weaken your claim or give the insurer grounds to minimize compensation. Here’s what to avoid.
1. Assigning Blame or Speculating
Never admit fault or speculate about who caused the accident. Statements like “I think it was my fault” or “They probably didn’t see me” can be used against you later. Insurance adjusters are trained to focus on any hint of liability to reduce payouts. Stick to describing facts objectively — the location, what happened, and how the accident occurred — without including opinions or assumptions. Speculating or assigning blame can complicate your claim, especially if liability is disputed.
2. Minimizing Injuries or Saying “I’m Fine”
Even if you feel okay immediately after an accident, hidden injuries can surface later. Saying things like “I’m fine” or “It’s just a scratch” can make the insurance company question the severity of your injuries. This can lead to reduced settlement offers or denial of certain medical expenses.
Always be truthful about what you know at the moment but avoid minimizing any pain, discomfort, or symptoms. It’s better to say you are waiting for medical evaluation than to understate your condition.
3. Discussing Prior Injuries or Medical Conditions Unnecessarily
Sharing unrelated past injuries or health issues can create confusion or give the insurance company an excuse to claim your current injuries are pre-existing. Only provide prior medical information when explicitly requested or if it directly relates to the current injury.
Over-sharing medical history can shift focus away from your present claim and potentially weaken your case.
4. Expressing Frustration or Emotional Opinions
Avoid venting frustration about the accident, employer, or insurance company. Comments like “This ruined my life” or “I can’t believe this happened” can be misinterpreted and used to question your credibility.
Stick to calm, factual statements. Document your feelings separately in medical records or personal journals if needed for mental health claims, rather than sharing them directly with the insurer.
5. Social Media Posts
Never post about the accident, injuries, or recovery process on social media. Insurance adjusters often monitor social media to look for inconsistencies. Pictures of you engaging in physical activity or comments downplaying your pain can be used to challenge your claim. Keep all details offline and only share information through official channels or your attorney.
Being aware of what not to share ensures that your words do not inadvertently harm your claim. Careful, strategic communication protects your rights, maintains credibility, and strengthens your position when negotiating compensation.
Final Thoughts
Communicating with an insurance company after a personal injury requires care and strategy. Sharing the right details — like factual accident information, injuries, medical treatment, and supporting documentation — helps move your claim forward efficiently. At the same time, avoiding statements that assign blame, minimize injuries, or reveal unnecessary personal information protects your claim from being weakened.
Remember, even casual remarks or social media posts can impact the outcome. Staying honest, concise, and measured ensures your case is taken seriously. Working with an attorney can further safeguard your rights and help you secure the compensation you truly deserve.
