What To Do if the Insurance Company Asks for a Recorded Statement
If you’ve been in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party’s insurance company and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. However, the reality is that navigating an insurance claim can be a complex and stressful experience. Personal injury claims involve multiple steps. The insurance company might ask you to provide a recorded statement as part of the personal injury claims process. While such a request might seem routine and reasonable as part of the insurance company’s investigation, it is a critical part of the personal injury claims process that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. That is why knowing what to do when the insurance company asks for a recorded statement is crucial.
What Is a Recorded Statement?
Before discussing what to do if the insurance company asks for a recorded statement, it is vital that we first understand what a recorded statement is. So, what is a recorded statement in the context of insurance claims? This is a statement given by the claimant (in this case, you) or another involved party about the details surrounding the accident. If you agree to provide a recorded statement, the insurance adjuster will record your statement, and then it will become part of the documentation used to evaluate and process your claim.
Purpose of a Recorded Statement
Recorded statements are meant to provide information about the incident. They are intended to clarify facts and help insurance companies determine liability. While this might seem straightforward and harmless, it is crucial to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payout. Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements so that they can use these statements against plaintiffs. The goal of most insurance companies is to get you to say something that can be used against you to limit compensation.
Insurance adjusters will use various tricks when questioning you, including asking vague questions or questions that don’t have clear answers. Insurance adjusters may ask leading questions to guide your answer in a particular direction. Using ambiguous or confusing language is another tactic that insurance adjusters use.
What To Do if the Insurance Company Asks for a Recorded Statement
You are not obligated to provide the at-fault party’s insurance company with a recorded statement. The insurance adjuster might tell you a recorded statement is a legal requirement, but that is false. If you are asked to provide a recorded statement, it is best that you politely decline and ask that you speak to your attorney first. An attorney will advise how best to handle the situation. They can guide you on whether you should provide a statement. An attorney can help you prepare and accurately explain what happened should you proceed to give the recorded statement. Additionally, an attorney can be present during the questioning to ensure the questioning is fair and you don’t say things that could harm your case.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm know how insurance companies operate and are familiar with the tactics used to try to limit compensation. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Orlando, Miami, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
