Do I Need to Give My Recording Statement To the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

The insurance company often asks for a recording statement of the at-fault party or even yours to further the process. The sole purpose of the recording statement is for you to describe the accident and the injuries to take the claim ahead quickly. However, most of the time, the insurance company works in their best interest and tries to minimize the compensation amount by proving you at fault.

Generally, you must avoid giving a recorded statement because even using informal language can cause significant harm to the claim. Everything you say is recorded and used against you by the insurance company to diminish the claim’s value or damage your credibility. Compared to the recorded statements, written statements are better as you can be careful with your words and draft the written statement carefully.

However, before giving a recorded or written statement to the insurance company, contact an experienced Jackson, WY personal injury lawyer, who can help you understand if giving the recorded statement is necessary. Note that you can refuse to give a recorded statement and give a written statement instead.

Risks of a recorded statement

Many insurance companies use this tactic to contact the victim as soon as the accident happens and ask for a statement, especially when you are vulnerable and still recovering from the accident. This is majorly done to lower the at-fault’s liability.

Besides the statement, the insurance company also tries its best to fetch information about the accident, possibly damaging your credibility and lowering your compensation amount. Most common techniques include:

• Pretending to be concerned about your injuries and influencing you to say you are okay while you are still recovering from the injury.
• Get a recorded or written statement before you contact a lawyer.
• Influencing you to minimize your injuries before you completely understand the extent of the injury.

Basically, the company’s end goal is to give less compensation and trick you into saying anything that can be used against you as evidence. Your attorney can provide the best legal advice as to whether you should give the recorded statement or not.

Will your claim be harmed if you do not tell your insurance company about the accident?

Almost every insurance company will ask you to notify them about the accident. Every company has its policies and timelines, but usually, you are expected to inform them about the accident within a few days or weeks. If you fail to do so, you are unlikely to get compensation.

Note that notifying about the accident does not mean giving a statement. Unless you get a chance to speak to your attorney, refuse to give a recorded or written statement.