Is the insurance company asking you to give a recorded statement after a crash caused by their negligent trucker? Learn why giving one may hurt your claim.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company following a truck accident?

 

A:

You may be tempted to agree to a request by the insurance company for the negligent trucker or trucking company to give a recorded statement as part of their investigation of your claim. However, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a car or truck accident victim, because it could reduce the value of your claim for compensation for your injuries. Here, we explain the pitfalls of agreeing to this request.

Reasons Not to Agree to Give a Recorded Statement

A recorded statement is a question-and-answer session conducted by an insurance adjuster that is tape recorded and later transcribed into a written document. While the insurance adjuster may claim that he needs your statement as part of his investigation in order to settle your claim, this is not true. The purpose of a recorded statement is often to find ammunition to deny or reduce a claim both in settlement negotiation and in court. Here is how giving one can hurt your case:

  • You may unknowingly admit fault. Ideally, the insurance adjuster wants you to admit that you caused the accident or were at least partially at fault. Even innocent statements, such as “I’m sorry the other driver was hurt” or “I wish I hadn’t been drinking my coffee when the crash occurred,” can be perceived as admissions of guilt by the insurance company.
  • You may make inconsistent statements. The person making the recording will look for any statements you make that are inconsistent with what you told the police, your doctor, or anyone else about the crash or the seriousness of your injuries. Any differences in what you say can be used to argue that you are not a credible witness or that what you are claiming is not true.
  • You may be confused or tricked by the questions. The insurance adjuster will be experienced in taking recorded statements and may be skilled in asking confusing or tricky questions. No matter how careful you are, you may give an answer that you do not even realize makes you appear to be at fault, downplays the seriousness of your injuries, or is otherwise harmful to your claim.

Contact Us Before Agreeing to Any Insurance Company Requests

You are not required to give a recorded statement in order to settle your claim. Your best strategy is to retain an experienced truck accident attorney who can provide the insurance company with any information they truly need. Our skilled lawyers can help you avoid this and other common mistakes that can weaken your case and will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more, take advantage of our free consultation. Call our Bellevue office today to schedule your appointment.

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