Should You Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?
After an accident, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster requesting a recorded statement about what happened. While this might seem like a routine part of the claims process, providing a recorded statement can actually put your claim at risk.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact our Paducah personal injury lawyers at Bryant Law Center today. Schedule your free consultation.
What To Do When an Insurer Asks for a Recorded Statement
If an insurance adjuster requests a recorded statement, the best course of action is to politely decline and refer them to your attorney. A personal injury lawyer in Kentucky can handle communications on your behalf. They will ensure that your rights are protected and that the company does not take advantage of your words.
Why Insurance Companies Request Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements under the pretense of gathering information to process your claim efficiently. However, their true motive is to find inconsistencies, misstatements, or anything that could be used to dispute or devalue your claim. Even if you believe you are simply providing facts, your words can be twisted or taken out of context to reduce the amount the insurer has to pay.
Some common tactics insurance companies use during recorded statements include:
- Asking leading questions: Adjusters may phrase questions in a way that gets you to downplay your injuries or accept partial fault. For example, “You were able to walk away from the accident, so your injuries are not that serious, right?” or “You were in a hurry at the time, right?”
- Pushing for quick answers: You may still be in shock or unsure of all the details. An insurer can use hesitant or uncertain responses against you later.
- Misinterpreting your words: Any statement you make, even an innocent remark like “I feel fine,” can be used to argue that you were not seriously injured.
The Risks of Providing a Recorded Statement
Once you provide a recorded statement, it becomes part of the official record, and the insurance company can use it to dispute your claim. Here are some of the key risks involved:
Weakening Your Claim
You may unintentionally weaken your claim. If you unknowingly leave out details or phrase something incorrectly, the insurer may use it to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
Loss of Credibility
Your statement can contradict later evidence. You might not fully understand the extent of your injuries immediately after the accident. If new medical evidence emerges, the insurer may claim your recorded statement contradicts your later diagnosis.
Reduced Compensation
The insurer may use your words against you. Even if you were not at fault, an adjuster may ask questions designed to shift some or all of the blame onto you, potentially reducing or denying your compensation.
Should I Ever Give a Recorded Statement?
In most cases, you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, if you are filing a claim with your own insurer, your policy may require you to cooperate. Even then, you have the right to consult a Paducah personal injury attorney before providing any statement.
If you need help filing a claim, contact one of our Paducah Kentucky personal injury lawyers to seek legal guidance today.