Giving a Recorded Statement After a Car Accident
In the days immediately following a car crash, you may end up receiving numerous requests for an official recorded statement, not only from your own insurer, but potentially from the other driver’s insurance company as well. This is basically a formal account of the crash, where you can give your version of the events that occurred on the day in question. The adjuster in charge of your case will record the conversation for later use during the claims process, when insurers will use it as evidence in determining fault for the accident. This statement is given a lot of weight when it comes to approving or denying a claim, which is why we always encourage car accident victims to speak with an attorney before giving one.
Preparing for a Recorded Statement
What you say in a recorded statement can have a significant impact on whether your insurance claim is approved or denied, so it’s important to carefully prepare before speaking with insurers by:
- Closely reviewing the details of the crash;
- Gathering relevant documentation;
- Taking notes about key points;
- Practicing your statement; and
- Remaining calm and composed throughout the process.
An attorney can help walk you through this process, making sure that you aren’t surprised by any of the questions you’re asked and that you stick only to the facts of your case.
Tips for Structuring Your Recorded Statement
Remember that insurers can use what you say in a recorded statement against you at a later date. If, for instance, you admit fault, you can be sure that it will be brought up later as evidence if the insurer denies your claim. When giving your recorded statement, be sure to keep your answers factual, truthful, and brief. Stick to what you know and avoid speculating or guessing about details. Remember to describe not only the events that happened during the accident, but those leading up to and following the crash. It’s also important to avoid downplaying your injuries, apologizing, or providing unnecessary information, all of which can lead to an unfair denial of your claim or a low settlement offer.
Your Rights When Giving a Recorded Statement
It’s also important for car accident victims to remember that they have rights when it comes to giving a recorded statement to insurers. For instance, you have the right to have your lawyer present, to refuse to answer specific questions, to take a break when giving the statement, and to decline giving a statement at all. An experienced attorney can play a critical role in helping protect these rights.
Contact Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in a car crash and were asked by an insurer to provide an official statement, be sure to call one of the dedicated Tampa car accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson. Our legal team has been helping accident victims recover compensation for their losses for more than 40 years and are eager to put our skills and resources to work in your own case. Reach out to us by phone or online message to get started.
Sources:
forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/determining-fault-after-accident/
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
