Getting into an accident is an overwhelming experience in and of itself, and dealing with an insurance company can further exacerbate these emotions. Knowing what to say and what to avoid saying to insurance adjusters is vital to the outcome of your case, and it is important to know what your rights are if you are asked to provide a recorded statement. In this article, we will discuss what exactly a recorded statement is, how insurance companies may use your responses against you, and how to protect your rights throughout the process.
What is a Recorded Statement?
A recorded statement can be described as an official account or interview of your version of events, given verbally and recorded by the insurance company handling your claim. It typically includes questions about how the accident occurred, the injuries you sustained, and other details relevant to your case. While this may appear to be a standard and routine procedure, insurance adjusters are notorious for probing questions that elicit answers that could ultimately hinder your recoverable compensation. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters can use anything that you say against you to minimize your total payout.
Tactics Insurance Companies May Use
At the end of the day, insurance adjusters’ main goal is to protect the financial interests of the company. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of claimants’ payouts. To achieve this, insurance adjusters may use a few different tactics during the recorded statement process, such as:
- Leading questions: You may be asked questions that are designed to lead you to provide answers that downplay the severity of your injuries or imply that you were partially at fault for the accident.
- Rushed timelines: You may be urged to provide a recorded statement soon after the accident occurs, when you may still be in shock, vulnerable, or unaware of the full extent of your injuries.
- Friendly approach: To help gain your trust, insurance adjusters may use a friendly and conversational tone to help you feel comfortable and let your guard down.
- Confusing jargon: Insurance adjusters may also use complicated legal jargon or phrases unfamiliar to lay people, increasing the chances of misunderstandings and misstatements.
Do I Have To Give a Recorded Statement?
In most cases, you are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Even if they are insistent that you must speak with them, you have the right to decline their request.
Consult With an Attorney
If the other party wants a recorded statement, the best course of action is to consult with a Seattle injury attorney before responding. An attorney can first help you assess the situation and determine whether providing a statement is necessary or beneficial to your case. Then, an attorney can help prepare you for questions that you may potentially be asked. They will help coach you through what to say or not say during the recorded statement. Finally, you can request that an attorney be present while you are being questioned to ensure that their questions are fair and that your words aren’t being taken out of context or blown out of proportion. An attorney will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the whole claims process.
