Should I Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance After an Accident?
If you were in an accident, it’s routine to get a call from an insurance company soon after. The person reaching out is usually an adjuster, and they may ask you to make a recorded statement about what happened. This is your account of how the accident occurred, what injuries or damages you suffered, and other details. Before you agree or say anything on record, it’s important to understand why what you say matters, what could go wrong, and what steps will protect your rights.
We suggest that you deny giving a recorded statement before you have spoken to an accident lawyer in Roseville.
Why Insurance Companies Ask for Recorded Statements
If you’ve been in an accident and filed a claim, the insurance company may ask for a recorded statement. This usually sounds routine, but what you say can make a difference in what you receive. It’s important to know why they request these statements and what goes on behind the scenes.
Trying to Protect Their Profits
Insurance companies work to keep their costs as low as possible. One way they try to do this is by seeking information from claimants right away. If you make a statement, anything you say can be used later to argue that you deserve less money. They may search for ways to blame you for part or all of the accident or downplay your injuries.
Techniques Used During the Statement
The adjuster might act helpful or friendly, but their questions are often meant to poke holes in your story. Here are a few tactics they use to devalue or deny claims:
Leading or Confusing Questions
Adjusters sometimes use questions that lead you where they want you to go. For example, instead of simply asking what happened, they might say, “When did you first start to swerve away from the car coming at you?” These questions often assume facts that aren’t true or try to sneak in details that hurt your case.
Getting You to Admit Fault
Often, the adjuster will look for parts of your statement that suggest you might be at fault, even if only a little. If you say, “I didn’t see the other car right away,” they may latch onto it. Any part of your statement suggesting you made a mistake could end up being used to lower your claim or deny it.
Locking You in Early Before the Full Picture Emerges
After a crash or injury, you might not know how badly you’re hurt. Insurance companies try to get you on record as soon as possible. If, during your first statement, you report little pain and only later discover more injuries, they can argue you didn’t mention these symptoms before. They use your early statement to challenge updates later on.
You might feel pressured to give a recorded statement, but you don’t have to do this right away.
Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Until You Speak With Legal Counsel
If you’re hurt in an accident, insurance adjusters may call you right away. They might sound friendly, but you should be on guard. The things you say could affect your claim, and you are not obligated to go into details without speaking to a Roseville, CA personal injury lawyer first. Here’s what you need to do:
Stay Calm and Courteous
Always stay polite, even if the call feels stressful. Getting into an argument will not help. Make note of who is calling and keep the conversation as short as possible.
Get Essential Information
Make sure to get the adjuster’s name, the name of their company, and your claim number. If you need to talk with them later, you’ll have the correct information handy.
Don’t Agree to a Recording
If they ask to record your statement, do not say yes right away. Recorded conversations can be used against you. Let them know you are not ready to give a recorded statement at this time.
Speak to a Lawyer First
You should contact a truck accident attorney in Roseville before discussing details with insurance adjusters. A lawyer will guide you on what to say and protect your rights throughout the process. Even a simple mistake in your statement can make your case harder.
Talk to a lawyer before moving forward. Contact us to discuss your case by scheduling a free consultation.