Should You Give Recorded Statements for Insurance Claims?

Talk to the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer before you say anything to the insurance company

When you’ve been in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation. But that means you’re going to have to deal with the insurance company. At some point, an adjuster may contact you and explain that they’d like to talk to you about the accident. You may be asked to give a recorded statement.

But that is not a good idea. Attorney Byron Browne of Browne Law Group has represented hundreds of clients in Gilbert and throughout Maricopa County. He knows that insurance companies use many different tactics in an attempt to find ways to justify paying you less than you deserve. That’s why you need an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer to fight for you.

What is a recorded statement?

Insurance adjusters gather information following an accident. They are trying to determine which party was at fault for the crash, and how much compensation should be paid. If you make a recorded statement, every word you say will be transcribed. It will be put in a document that becomes part of the claim file.

That may not sound like a big deal. You know what happened and are prepared to give honest answers to their questions.

The problem is that insurance companies will try to use what you tell them against you. Adjusters are very skilled at this. They will carefully word their questions to sound vague. There may be no clear answer, and that’s the point. They want to make it seem like you aren’t sure about what happened.

We know the tricks that insurance companies use

Requesting a recorded statement is never just about learning more about the accident. Insurance companies are looking for something they can use to minimize your claim. They are looking for:

• Inconsistencies – Any recorded statement you give will be compared to what you told police officers at the scene, what witnesses said, and information listed in the accident report. Any information that doesn’t match up will be used against you.
• Descriptions of your injuries – Some of the questions you are asked may seem harmless. How did you feel after the accident? How do you feel now? Are your injuries getting better? They are hoping you’ll say something they can use to downplay your injuries. So, if you say, “I feel good,” they’ll say that’s an indication that your injuries aren’t that bad.
• Additional information – The discussion you have with the adjuster may seem friendly and casual. But they want you to reveal something that can cast doubt on your claim. For example, anything you say about your medical history, or medication you are taking, may be cited as a reason to pay you less.

You do not have to give a recorded statement

If you are contacted by an adjuster for the insurance company representing the other driver, it’s important to know your rights. You are not required to give a recorded statement or answer any questions about the accident. Politely decline their request. Then talk to an experienced car accident attorney.

What if it’s your own insurance company making the request? Then it gets a little more complicated. You are expected to cooperate with your own insurance company. But even they will try to limit your compensation. That’s why you should always get legal advice as soon as possible if you’ve been injured in a crash.

Byron Browne has your back

Our team of legal professionals is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your situation. Attorney Byron Browne can:

• Help you prepare your statement – He can review the details of your accident and work with you on exactly what to say and exactly how you will say it.
• Focus on the facts – Any statement should focus only on the basic facts about what happened. We’ll help you avoid discussing anything that can be used against you.
• Put it in writing – This helps ensure that the insurance company gets an accurate account of your side of the story.
• Investigate your accident – Our team can gather evidence, review accident reports, and interview witnesses to determine fault.
• Handle all communication with the insurance company – We want you to be able to focus on recovering from your injuries.
• Negotiate a settlement that meets your needs – Byron Browne will determine the total damages you suffered and fight for maximum compensation.

If you were hurt in a car accident in Gilbert or anywhere in Maricopa County, it’s important to get legal advice ASAP. Insurance companies will get right to work on finding ways to pay you less. That’s why you need the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer on your side. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.