Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company After a car crash in Florida?

After a car crash in Florida, one of the first things an insurance company will try to do is get you on the phone for a recorded statement. Many injured drivers believe they are required to cooperate fully or that giving a statement will help the claim move faster. In reality, providing a recorded statement too soon — especially to the other driver’s insurance company — can seriously damage your case. At Stockwell Law, attorney Marissa Stockwell advises clients across South Florida to be extremely cautious when dealing with insurers after an accident. What you say, even unintentionally, can be used against you later to reduce or deny compensation.

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions and gather information that protects the company’s financial interests, not yours. They may try to get you to guess about details, downplay your injuries, accept partial blame, or make statements that can be twisted out of context. Something as simple as saying “I’m okay” or “I didn’t see them” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault or proof that your injuries are minor. Since Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, even small statements can significantly impact how much compensation you are entitled to receive.

It is also important to understand that injuries often show up hours or days after an accident.

If you give a recorded statement immediately afterward, you may inadvertently say you feel fine or are not hurt, only to wake up later with severe pain, stiffness, or other symptoms. Insurance companies rely on these early statements to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the crash or not as serious as you claim. This is one of the most common tactics used to minimize or deny legitimate injury claims.

While you do need to notify your own insurance company that a crash occurred, you are not required to give a detailed or recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer.

Even with your own carrier, it is best to speak carefully and provide only basic facts until you have legal guidance. Stockwell Law handles these communications for clients, ensuring that the insurance companies receive the information they need without putting your claim at risk. Attorney Marissa Stockwell will manage all conversations with insurers, protect you from aggressive adjusters, and help prevent mistakes that could affect the value of your settlement.

If an adjuster contacts you after a crash, the safest response is to politely decline to give a statement and let them know your attorney will be in touch. The earlier you involve legal representation, the better protected your claim will be. Stockwell Law immediately steps in to shield clients from unnecessary questioning, gather evidence, and guide them through medical documentation, all while preserving the strength of the case from the very beginning.

Insurance companies are not on your side, especially after a car crash that involves injuries. Before speaking with them or signing anything, consult an experienced attorney who understands Florida’s insurance laws and knows how to prevent the common traps adjusters use. Stockwell Law is committed to helping accident victims avoid costly mistakes and secure the compensation they deserve. If you need guidance after a crash, attorney Marissa Stockwell is ready to stand between you and the insurance companies and protect your rights every step of the way.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.