- Car Accidents
If you are in a car accident in Georgia, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you and ask for a recorded statement. Should you give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster? Your gut says no way, but their rep promises it will speed up your claim.
Giving a recorded statement might seem like no big deal, but it can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Insurance adjusters ask for recorded statements so they can look for excuses to deny or minimize your claim.
It’s best to let a Fayetteville car accident lawyer handle all communications with the insurance company. Our team at Wade Law has over 70 years of combined experience. Contact us today for a free consultation!
What Is a Recorded Statement?
A recorded statement is an official questioning by the other driver’s insurance company about the details of your auto accident. The insurance adjuster will question about what happened. The insurance company uses these statements to determine who’s at fault for the crash so they can decide whether or not to pay your claim.
The adjuster will ask for basic info like when and where the accident occurred. They’ll want to know specifics about how the crash happened, such as speed, traffic conditions, and vehicle positions before and after. They may ask whether you suffered any injuries and if you received medical care. While these questions seem straightforward, be very careful how you answer.
Saying the wrong thing to an insurance adjuster after an accident in Georgia can be disastrous.
How Adjusters Can Use a Recorded Statement Against You
Providing a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company may seem like an easy way to speed up the claims process, but it often does more harm than good. Their goal is to limit how much they pay out, not to treat you fairly.
Giving them a recorded statement hands over information that can be manipulated and used against you.
Claiming You’re Admitting Fault
When you provide a recorded statement, every word you say is scrutinized. The insurance adjuster may ask leading questions designed to elicit responses that can be twisted to imply you were at fault or partially responsible for the car accident. For instance, saying you didn’t see the other car until the last moment could be interpreted as inattentiveness.
If you apologize or admit to mistakes when recounting how the accident happened, it can hurt your claim. Even seemingly innocent comments can be used against you.
Errors or Inconsistencies
Anything you say in a recorded statement can be taken out of context or misinterpreted to weaken your claim. The insurance company may argue that a minor inconsistency in your story means you’re lying or that an unclear statement shows you’re at fault. They have teams of lawyers and claims professionals who are experts at twisting people’s own words against them.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters can strategically use your words to downplay the extent of your injuries and reduce the compensation you receive after a car accident. If you mention that you initially “felt fine,” the insurance adjuster might argue you were not seriously injured.
This can be particularly problematic in cases where symptoms develop or worsen over time, which is common with injuries such as whiplash.
You May Feel Pressured to Accept a Low Offer
When you give a recorded statement, the insurance company has leverage to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Feeling anxious about the time and money at stake, many people give in at this point. But accepting an unfair offer means you’ll never be fully compensated for your losses.
What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Asks for a Recorded Statement?
It’s best to let a skilled car accident lawyer handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company. Attorneys have experience dealing with these situations and know what information needs to be provided to handle your car crash claim properly.
A personal injury law firm can gather information from you and provide only what is necessary, protecting your rights and interests. This approach also reduces the stress and hassle for you in an already difficult situation.
If you need to provide information to the insurance company but don’t want to do a recorded call, your attorney may advise you to provide a written statement instead. A written statement gives you more control over the information provided and avoids the risk of misspeaking.
Keep any written statement concise while covering the key details of the accident and events. Have an experienced car accident attorney review the statement before submitting it to the insurance company.
Do I Have to Give My Own Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?
You need to notify your auto insurance company about a car accident and provide information about the accident for your insurance claim. Some auto insurance policies have clauses that require you to give a recorded statement if your insurance company asks.
However, all insurance companies look out for their own best interests. If they can, insurance adjusters will use recorded statements to minimize how much compensation they pay.
You should review your auto insurance policy and speak to a car accident lawyer before you agree to give a recorded statement to your insurance company. An experienced attorney can offer advice on communicating with the insurance provider.
Talk With a Fayetteville Auto Accident Attorney Before Giving a Statement
Insurance companies are focused on limiting payouts, not on what’s fair. Without an attorney advocating for you, they are likely to offer a settlement that does not fully compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
At Wade Law, we have a proven track record of achieving maximum compensation for our clients. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call us today at 770-282-1188 for a free initial consultation.
