Should You Give A Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?

If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s very likely that you will receive a phone call from the at-fault party’s insurance company. The person on the other end of the line is an insurance adjuster, who is responsible for investigating the accident, determining liability, and settling with the victims. His first task will be to ask you to consent to being recorded while you talk about the accident and your injuries. But, it’s important for you to know that it’s never a good idea to give a recorded statement to the insurance company.

Why does an insurance adjuster want your statement?

The insurance adjuster would like to hear your side of the story so he has a more complete picture of the events leading up to an accident. The statements made by you and the other party will be used, along with other evidence, to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault.

Why should you not give a statement to the insurance adjuster?

The insurance adjuster may seem like he has good intentions, but remember he does not have your best interests in mind. One of the reasons why he wants you to make a statement is so he can try to get you to slip up and say something that can be used against you in your case. The insurance adjuster may try to bait you into admitting something that you otherwise would not have said. For instance, he may say “So, it seems as if you might have been distracted while making that turn,” or “I’m happy to hear you weren’t seriously injured.” These statements have a purpose. The adjuster says these things with the hope that you will agree to them while being recorded. If you do, the insurance adjuster can say you admitted fault or you agreed that your injuries were not serious.

These may seem like minor mistakes, but they can significantly affect the amount of compensation you are able to recover in your claim.

How can an attorney help?

It’s recommended that you do not speak to an insurance adjuster without talking to an attorney first. Your attorney may suggest that you submit a written statement instead of consenting to a recorded statement. In this case, he will help you prepare a detailed statement regarding your case. If your attorney does allow you to give a recorded statement, he will thoroughly prepare you prior to the call and step in during the conversation if needed.

Has an insurance adjuster contacted you? If so, contact James Rush at Rush Injury Law today. James Rush will not let you make the mistake of saying the wrong thing to the insurance adjuster. Instead, he will ensure the insurance adjuster understands the severity of your injuries and the impact the injuries have had on your life. To schedule a free consultation with our team, call 415-897-4801 or fill out the online form on our website www.rushinjurylaw.com today.