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We advise against it. When you are involved in a personal injury claim, navigating the process can be complex and daunting. One crucial decision you will face is whether or not to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company. While the statement may prove invaluable to the insurance company, it could derail your claim and prevent you from receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Reasons Not to Give a Recorded Statement

Insurance adjusters often use a recorded statements as just another tool or trick to lower or deny your accident claim. This is true no matter if your claim involves a:

• Auto accident,
• Slip and fall accident,
• Dog bite,
• Motorcycle accident,
• Bicycle accident, or
• Medical malpractice occurrence.

The specific problems with providing a statement involve:

• Potential Misinterpretation: Insurance adjusters are trained to scrutinize statements for any information that could be used to minimize or deny your claim. Your words may be taken out of context or misconstrued, potentially harming your case and destroying your chances of receiving a payout.
• Risk of Damaging Your Claim: Providing inaccurate or inconsistent information during a recorded statement could weaken your credibility and jeopardize the success of your claim.
• Pressure Tactics: Insurance adjusters may employ tactics to pressure you into providing a recorded statement quickly, sometimes before you have had a chance to fully assess the extent of your injuries or consult with legal representation.
• No Legal Obligation: In many cases, you are not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company. Review your insurance policy carefully to determine if providing a recorded statement is in fact a requirement.

Consult with an Attorney

Before deciding whether to provide a recorded statement, it’s wise to seek guidance from a personal injury attorney who can advise you on your rights and options.

Note that you have the right to consult with a personal injury attorney at any time when filing an injury claim. You should exercise this right to help protect your interests and preserve your chances of successfully settling a claim.

Most personal injury lawyers provide free initial consultations, which means that you can learn more about recorded statements for no charge.

Further, injury attorneys usually work on a contingent fee basis. A contingent fee means that you do not have to pay for your lawyer’s services unless you successfully settle your injury claim or prevail in a personal injury lawsuit.

Are Insurance Companies Under Any Obligations When Working Up a Claim?

Yes. Every state has specific laws regulating the insurance industry, its claim processes, and their conduct.

Insurance companies should act in good faith and fair dealing with every claimant. This means that they must:

• Provide prompt and continued communication with a claimant,
• Defend their insured,
• Acknowledge, investigate, and approve or deny a claim within a realistic amount of time,
• Provide prompt, fair, and reasonable settlements of claims, and
• Give thorough explanations for claim denials

If an insurance company does not fulfill these obligations and follow your state’s insurance laws, you could file a bad faith legal claim against them. You can also submit a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner.

Please contact an injury lawyer if you feel your insurance company is acting in bad faith. Instances of bad faith are often complicated, and an injury attorney can help inform you on the specific laws involved.

Questions?

Contact Nelson Injury Law for Help!

If you were injured in an accident, let us shoulder the burden of your case. Your focus should be on healing from your injuries. The skilled injury attorneys at Nelson Injury Law are here to help. Please contact us now for a free consultation.

Eric S. Nelson, owner of Nelson Injury Law, is an experienced trial attorney who will provide you with wise and compassionate legal counsel and representation through each stage of your case. Remember, you pay nothing if we do not win your case.