What to Say to the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Florida: Tips from Attorneys

When you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, what you say—or don’t say—to the insurance company can make or break your claim. In the moments and days following a crash, emotions run high, and you might feel pressure to give statements quickly. However, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and even an innocent comment could be used against you later. Knowing how to communicate properly to the insurance company after a car accident protects your rights, preserves your claim, and helps ensure you receive fair compensation.

At Darrigo & Diaz, our Florida accident attorneys have helped thousands of Floridians navigate the insurance process after serious car accidents. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Florida’s insurance laws

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that after most car accidents, you first file a claim with your own insurance company, regardless of who caused the crash. Every driver in Florida is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage—at least $10,000 in benefits—to cover medical expenses and lost wages. You typically must use and exhaust your own PIP coverage first.

However, serious injuries can exceed those limits. In such cases, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. That’s where your words matter most. What you say to any insurance company—yours or the other driver’s—can influence how your case is handled, how much you recover, and whether your claim is denied.

7 tips for talking to the insurance company after a car accident

1. Report the accident promptly

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible if you are involved in an accident. Delays can lead to complications or claim denials. When reporting the accident, stick to the facts. State when, where, and how the crash occurred, but avoid giving opinions or speculations.

2. Be honest, but brief

You are required to cooperate with your insurance company, but that doesn’t mean you need to share every detail. Answer questions truthfully but concisely. Avoid guessing or estimating if you’re unsure about something.

3. Do not admit fault

Even saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” can be twisted into an admission of fault. Let investigators and attorneys determine liability based on evidence.

4. Avoid discussing your injuries too soon

Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries, may take days to manifest. If you tell an adjuster you’re “fine” before seeing a doctor, they may later use that statement to downplay your injuries.

5. Do not provide a recorded statement without first consulting an attorney

Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements early in the process. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Once recorded, your words can be used against you—even out of context.

6. Be cautious with the other driver’s insurance company

You are under no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurer. Their goal is to minimize what they pay. Refer all communication to your attorney.

7. Contact an experienced accident attorney

Having a skilled lawyer ensures that your rights are protected, your claim is properly valued, and insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. An attorney can handle communications, negotiate settlements, and represent you if litigation is needed.

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If you’re injured in an accident, call Darrigo & Diaz before speaking to insurance

Once you’ve received prompt medical attention after your accident, your first call should be to Darrigo & Diaz—before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Our personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience representing victims of car wrecks throughout the Florida. After a collision, you may suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. You might also experience non-physical damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish—all of which deserve fair compensation.

When you contact Darrigo & Diaz, we take immediate action to protect your rights. We handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring that nothing you say can be twisted or used to undermine your claim. We also gather critical evidence, coordinate your medical care, and calculate the true value of your losses so you can focus on healing.

Call us today at (813) 437-5523 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.