What not to say to an injury lawyer?

 

If you’ve been injured in an accident, talking to a lawyer might feel intimidating. You want to be honest, but did you know that saying the wrong thing could hurt your case or lower your settlement?

It’s true — insurance companies and lawyers pay attention to what you say. Even casual comments can be used against you later. To help you navigate this, here’s a guide on what NOT to say to an injury lawyer, along with tips to protect yourself and your case.

1. “I’m Fine” or “It’s Not That Bad”

One of the most common mistakes injured people make is downplaying their injuries.

Even if you feel okay now, some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. Telling a lawyer (or insurance adjuster) “I’m fine” can be used against you to justify a lower settlement.

✅ Tip: Be honest about your symptoms, even if they seem minor. Mention any pain, discomfort, or mobility issues you notice.

2. “I Don’t Want to Sue” or “I Just Want to Move On”

It’s natural to want to avoid stress or legal battles, but telling a lawyer you don’t want to sue can weaken your negotiating position.

Even if your goal is a fair settlement, insurance companies may assume you’re not serious and make a lower offer. Your lawyer needs to know your goals clearly so they can advocate for you effectively.

✅ Tip: Focus on being compensated fairly for your injuries and losses. You don’t have to commit to a lawsuit unless it’s necessary.

3. “I Was Partly at Fault”

Admitting fault, even partially, can seriously reduce your settlement. Insurance companies love to use statements like this against claimants.

Your lawyer will help determine who is at fault using evidence, police reports, and witness statements. You don’t need to guess or admit anything yourself.

✅ Tip: Stick to the facts of the accident — what happened, when, and how — and let your lawyer handle fault discussions.

4. “I Already Settled With the Insurance”

Never admit to any settlement discussions or payments without your lawyer’s guidance. Saying you already accepted money can limit future claims or reduce your compensation.

Insurance companies sometimes offer quick “goodwill” payments before fully assessing medical costs or lost wages. Accepting or discussing these without a lawyer can hurt your case.

✅ Tip: Forward any insurance correspondence to your lawyer before responding.

5. “I’m Not Really Hurt That Bad” or “It’s Just Painful, Not Serious”

Again, downplaying your injuries is risky. Pain and suffering are part of the settlement calculation. Minimizing your injury can lead to lower compensation for pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.

✅ Tip: Be specific about your pain, how it affects your daily life, and any limitations. Keep a pain diary if needed.

6. “I Can Handle This Myself”

While it’s okay to ask questions, telling a lawyer you don’t want their help can make it harder to get a strong settlement. Many people underestimate the tricks insurance companies use to lower claims.

A lawyer knows how to:

·         Calculate future medical costs

·         Negotiate effectively

·         Deal with tricky insurance tactics

✅ Tip: Be open to guidance and ask questions about the process. Your lawyer’s role is to maximize your compensation and protect your rights.

7. Oversharing Personal Information

Your lawyer doesn’t need your life story — especially unrelated personal details. Avoid sharing things like:

·         Social media activity unrelated to the case

·         Previous minor injuries or accidents

·         Private details that don’t affect your claim

Insurance companies can dig through this information. Oversharing can weaken your credibility or give them ammunition to reduce your settlement.

✅ Tip: Keep discussions focused on the accident, injuries, medical treatment, and financial impact.

8. “I Didn’t Go to the Doctor Because I Couldn’t Afford It”

Skipping medical treatment can hurt your case. Lawyers and insurance companies often use delayed care as a reason to reduce compensation.

If you couldn’t see a doctor immediately, tell your lawyer the truth. They can explain the situation and provide guidance to document injuries properly.

✅ Tip: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of what NOT to say to an injury lawyer:

·         Don’t downplay your injuries: “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.”

·         Don’t admit fault: “I was partly responsible.”

·         Don’t discuss insurance settlements without guidance.

·         Don’t overshare personal details unrelated to your accident.

·         Don’t say you want to handle it all yourself or avoid legal action.

Bottom line: Be honest, but stick to the facts of your accident, injuries, and losses. Let your lawyer handle fault, negotiations, and tricky insurance tactics. Saying the wrong thing could cost you thousands of dollars, so it’s worth taking a careful approach.