After a car accident, you’ll likely receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster—whether it’s your own insurance company or the other driver’s. It might seem like a casual conversation, but make no mistake: insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and protect the interests of the insurance company—not you.

One wrong statement can seriously harm your personal injury claim, reduce your compensation, or even lead to a complete denial of your case. That’s why it’s crucial to know what not to say when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.

Here are the top 5 things you should NEVER say to a claims adjuster, and what to do instead to protect your rights.

1. “I Caused the Accident.”

It may feel natural to say “I’m sorry” or even accept blame after a high-stress event like a crash—but resist the urge.

Even if you believe you were partially at fault, you are not in a legal position to determine liability. Let the investigation play out and allow your attorney to determine how fault is assessed under California’s comparative negligence laws.

Why it’s dangerous: Admitting fault can be used against you and reduce—or eliminate—your chances of receiving compensation.

2. “I’m Not Hurt.”

You may not feel pain immediately after a collision. The adrenaline from the accident can mask injuries for hours—or even days. Conditions like whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or internal trauma might not show symptoms until much later.

Why it’s dangerous: Telling an adjuster you're uninjured can make it extremely difficult to later claim medical damages if symptoms appear. Insurance companies will use your statement to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

What to say instead: “I’m still being evaluated by a medical professional.”

3. “I Agree to a Recorded Statement.”

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements early in the process—especially if you’re unrepresented. While your own insurer may require it under your policy, you’re not legally obligated to provide one to the other driver’s insurance company.

Why it’s dangerous: Adjusters are trained to ask leading or misleading questions designed to trap you into saying something that hurts your case.

What to say instead: “I’d prefer to speak with my attorney before providing a statement.”

4. “I’ll Accept That Settlement.”

After an accident, it’s tempting to accept a quick settlement—especially if you’re dealing with medical bills and time off work. But insurance companies often make lowball offers early on, hoping you’ll accept before you understand the true value of your case.

Why it’s dangerous: Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can’t go back—even if your injuries get worse later.

What to do instead: Contact a personal injury attorney who can properly evaluate your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.

5. “Yes, You Can Access My Medical Records.”

Adjusters may ask you to sign a release to access your medical records, saying it’s standard procedure. However, their real goal is to look for preexisting conditions or any detail that can be used to argue your injuries aren’t related to the accident.

Why it’s dangerous: Full medical record access allows insurers to dig deep and use unrelated health issues against you.

What to do instead: Always consult an attorney before signing any medical release form. Your lawyer can ensure only relevant records are shared.

Why It’s Crucial to Speak with an Attorney First

Navigating a car accident claim in California isn’t easy—especially with insurance companies working against you from the start. That’s why it’s essential to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer before saying anything that could be used to weaken your case.

At Mercado & Sacramento, PC, we know how adjusters operate—and we know how to fight back. We’ll communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you avoid the common traps that hurt injury victims every day.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident, silence is golden—and guidance is key. The wrong statement can seriously damage your personal injury claim, reduce your payout, or cost you your case altogether.

If you've been in a car accident in the Bay Area or anywhere in California, don't speak to the insurance company without legal support.

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• Call Mercado & Sacramento, PC at (510) 340-4LAW today for a free consultation. Let us protect your rights, handle the insurance companies, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.