After an Accident, Should You Provide a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?

Should You Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurer?

After an auto accident, giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster can be a BIG mistake that can compromise a claim. Here are the main reasons why.

Top 3 Reasons NOT to Give a Recorded Statement to Insurers after an Accident

When another motorist’s insurance company contacts you and requests a recorded (or “official”) statement, don’t be swayed (or intimidated) into submitting to this request.

Instead, remember that:

1. Insurance adjusters are out to protect the company, NOT you – Adjusters are focused on advancing the interests and profits of their employer, the insurance company. This means that they are not your side and that they will look for any possible reason to reduce or deny your claim. It can also mean that adjusters misinform you, present low settlement offers or even potentially act in bad faith to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve. When victims don’t know their rights or the value of their claims, adjusters can use these tactics to effectively minimize payouts.
2. Insurers can (& do) use tricky language to get certain answers from you – Insurance adjusters are trained to use certain language and phrasing to elicit certain responses from car accident victims. In fact, the wording can be such that victims don’t even realize that they’re providing the exact answers or statements that insurers are looking for in order to reduce or deny the claim. For instance, apologies (for the crash) or even “soft” affirmatives (like “I guess or suppose so”) can be used to pin some (or possibly all) of the fault on a victim.
3. Insurers will compare different statements you’ve made to try to undercut or deny your claim – Your statements about an accident can slightly vary in the weeks or months that follow the crash (especially if you are asked different, pointed questions about the accident). These variations can be used against you at any point later when insurance companies are trying to pin the blame on you, accuse you of misrepresenting the facts, and/or avoid paying your claim.

Please note that you may be required to provide a statement to your own insurance provider, depending on the language in your policy. In these situations (as well as when other motorists’ insurers contact you), it is still in your best interest to talk to an attorney before you providing any official or recorded statement.

Here’s Why You Should Consult an Attorney before Giving Any Statement to Insurers 

Unlike an insurance adjuster, a lawyer WILL be on your side after an accident. This means that you can generally count on an attorney to:

• Explain your rights, the terms of your policy, and your options for financial recovery
• Provide you with clear answers about the value of your claim
• Effectively represent you in dealings with insurance agents
• Help you protect your rights and interests as you move forward with your claim.

Protect Your Rights & Recovery Options: Contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm

Don’t let an insurer compromise or sabotage your financial recovery after an auto accident. Instead, contact a Houston Car Accident Lawyer at the Amaro Law Firm by calling (713) 352-7975 or by Contacting Our Firm.

Our attorneys are ready to answer your questions during a free initial consultation. Our record of success and exceptional representation has earned us 5-star ratings on Google and Facebook.

Although no sum of money can ever negate the crash or the harm it caused, our representation can make a big difference in your overall recovery and your future.