After a car accident, one of the first calls you face is with an insurance adjuster – and what you say can directly affect what you recover. In Kentucky, drivers are required to carry both liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection, and insurers – whether your own or the other driver’s – often look for ways to minimize what they pay. Knowing what to provide, what to decline and what to avoid saying can make a meaningful difference in how your claim proceeds.
Stick to basic facts only
When you speak with an adjuster, provide only key details. State your name, the date and location of the crash and the vehicles involved. Do not describe how the accident happened in detail or guess about fault. Insurers may use your words to argue you share blame, even if the other driver caused the crash.
Avoid admitting fault or apologizing
Avoid saying ‘I am sorry’ or suggesting you could have stopped the accident. Under Kentucky’s comparative fault rules, even a casual expression of sympathy can be characterized as an admission of partial fault and used to reduce your recovery. Insurance adjusters often record calls and review statements for language that shifts fault or blame to you.
Do not give a recorded statement
Adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement right away. You have the right to decline. A recorded statement locks in your version of events before you fully know your injuries or the damage. Soft tissue injuries and other harm may not show symptoms for days, and an early statement could undercut your ability to seek fair compensation later.
Report the accident but delay settlement talks
You must report the crash to your insurer promptly under your policy terms. Still, you do not need to accept a settlement offer right away. Insurers often present low initial offers before you know the full extent of your losses. Medical bills, lost wages and vehicle repairs can add up quickly, and settling too soon may leave you without the funds you need.
When an adjuster pushes for a recorded statement or early settlement, the insurer may be protecting its own case – not yours. Speaking with an attorney first can help you understand what your claim is worth and what to say next.