The period after a car accident is usually stressful. If you were seriously injured, you are likely dealing with medical treatment and may be missing work. This could be adding to the stress over the accident. Unfortunately, it’s during this period that an insurance adjuster usually calls requesting information from you about the claim. The question is: Should I give a recorded statement to my insurance company?
After a car accident, an insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement. If the insurance company is the other driver, you are under no obligation to record a statement. In fact, we would never recommend that anyone make any statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Not without talking to an attorney first. If it’s your own insurance company asking, you may be obligated to comply. But you have the right to postpone making a statement until you have contacted a personal injury lawyer. And its best to have a lawyer present during the call. Let us talk about why you need to think about “should I give a recorded statement to my insurance company?”.
What happens during a recorded statement for a car accident?
A recorded statement to an insurance adjuster will be used for future reference. This recording may be used as evidence during the claims process or any potential legal proceedings. During a recorded statement for a car accident, the insurance company’s representative will ask you a series of questions about the accident or incident for which you are filing a claim. The purpose of the recorded statement is to gather information that will be used in the claims investigation and evaluation process. Here’s what typically happens during a recorded statement:
Basic information.
The adjuster will start by asking for basic information such as your name, address, and birth date, contact details, and other relevant identification information.
Reviewing policy coverage.
The adjuster may ask questions about the insurance policy to understand the coverage and limitations relevant to the claim.
Accident details.
The adjuster will inquire about the accident itself. They may ask about the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as a description of how it happened. They will want to understand the sequence of events leading up to and immediately following the accident.
Personal injuries.
If the claim involves personal injuries, the adjuster may ask about the nature and extent of your injuries. They may inquire about medical treatment you’ve received or any pre-existing conditions that could be relevant to the claim.
Property damage.
If the claim involves damage to property (typically to a vehicle in a car crash), the adjuster will ask about the extent of the damage and any details related to the property involved.
Liability and fault.
The adjuster may try to determine who they believe is at fault for the accident. They may ask questions to understand each party’s actions and determine liability. Do not admit liability or fault.
It’s important to remember that the insurance adjuster is representing the insurance company’s interests. While they may appear friendly and helpful, their primary goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company pays out for the claim. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious with your responses and avoid speculating or admitting fault during the recorded statement.
If you have any concerns about giving a recorded statement or feel uncertain about the process, consider consulting with a local car accident attorney who can guide you and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Contact a car accident lawyer today!
A car accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in a car accident with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
