Filing a Car Accident Claim: It is Okay to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Adjuster?

When you file a claim with your insurance provider after a car accident, you will be asked to give a recorded statement. This statement is an interview with a claims adjuster from the insurance company after an accident. During the interview, the adjuster will ask you a series of questions regarding the incident and the injuries you sustained. But, before you agree to give a recorded statement, you should consult your Car Accident Lawyer Grand Junction first. Your lawyer will tell you whenever giving a recorded statement is beneficial or not.

Does It Benefit You to Give a Recorded Statement?

When an insurance adjuster asks for your permission to take a recorded statement, your answer should be a big no. Keep in mind that you don’t have a legal obligation to give one. The insurance adjuster is looking to find fault in your actions, so they can reduce the amount of money their company owes you. Also, if they can find enough fault in you, they can deny your claim entirely, leaving you without any compensation. 

Moreover, if the insurance adjuster fails to find fault with you, they may try to find ways to pay you as little as possible. They do this by finding errors in your recorded statement that doesn’t support the fact of your case. Thus, if you allow them to get a recorded statement from you, they may use your statement against you later. 

When You Are Required to Give a Recorded Statement

You may be required to give a recorded statement when you make a claim against your own insurance provider. In this case, there are things you must do in preparation. First, go back to the accident scene and reorient or familiarize yourself with the scene. This may help you recall how exactly you got your injuries. Then, get a copy of the police report that that contains basic information about the accident like the time it took place, the names of the roads, the direction vehicles were traveling, the speed limit for the area, and other details. 

Consulting a Car Accident Attorney

When you file a car accident claim, all information, no matter how minute or unimportant you may think it is, can carry substantial weight in the decision of the insurance adjuster. Thus, you must understand their importance and know how the other party can use them against you when you file a claim. Call your attorney for any questions you may have regarding recorded statements and other aspects of your car accident case.