3 Tips on Recorded Statements
In some instances, the insurance company may request that you submit to one prior to them giving a settlement offer. This means that you will either have to submit to a recorded statement or proceed to litigation. A recorded statement involves the insurance company recording you talking about how the accident occurred, how you’re feeling, whether you were injured, whether you went to see a doctor, and other questions that may seem irrelevant. If it is your own insurance company requesting the statement, then you should cooperate with them and give the recorded statement. It is very important that you cooperate with your own insurance company, as not cooperating with your own insurance could result in a denial of coverage. However, giving a recorded statement to the other side’s insurance company right away is usually not recommended. The recorded statement is designed to negatively impact your case. The insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in certain ways to try and minimize your claim. They will try and ask you questions in ways that are difficult to answer, so they can point out inconsistencies later in your story. The recorded statement usually lasts about 15-20 minutes. We don’t usually recommend that a client sit for a recorded statement, especially in a larger case, one where the client is more severely injured. Here are some tips, should you choose to give a recorded statement.
Be Honest: You should only speak truthfully. The insurance company wants you to lie during your recorded statement, that way they can pin you down as not being credible and pay you less on that basis. Your honesty regarding the accident can maintain your case’s value. A person may not be feeling the effects of their injuries right away, and they may minimize their injuries to the adjuster in a prematurely recorded statement. By being untruthful, you are putting your case at risk of losing value.
Don’t Offer More Information Than You Need To: During the questions, you should simply answer the questions that are being asked. For example, if asked, “Did you have any passengers?” an appropriate response would be “Yes,” or “No.” An inappropriate response would be something like, “I don’t know”. Offering more information is potentially harmful to your case. Don’t give a story, just answer the questions. The adjuster wants you to give more information so that they can try to devalue your claim. They are usually great listeners because the more information they know, the more it can hurt you. Don’t think they are being polite by being silent while you speak, they are simply looking to minimize your claim.
Don’t Exaggerate: You may want to say how badly you are hurt, or how negligent the other side was, but you should be careful not to over exaggerate as that may hurt your case. During the recorded statement the insurance company might ask, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you feeling?” This is a rather vague question, but it would be appropriate to answer between the 7 to 8 range, if a person does have significant soreness, that way the injured doesn’t downplay their own injuries. If you answer “10” and you are feeling slight soreness, then this can be pointed out later and be used against you, saying that you are not being honest with your answers. A “10” generally means intolerable pain. It is better to be honest and not exaggerate.
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The impact of an auto accident can draw distinct reactions from all types of people. When serious injuries are sustained, the impact can deeply affect the life of the person who is injured mentally, financially, and physically. While everyone reacts distinctly to being injured in a car accident, it is important to get informed on the personal injury claims process. Were you or someone you know hurt in a car crash in South Florida? Sadly, car crashes in South Florida occur at an alarming rate. It is extremely likely that you or someone you know has been involved or will be involved in a car accident at some point in your lifetime. From a minor fender bender, to a serious car accident, our team can help guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim against the negligent driver or filing a personal injury lawsuit for damages. If you have any questions or concerns about your personal injury case, contact one of our car accident attorneys! Call Our Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation! Our skillful attorneys are genuinely committed to our clients. We will fight to make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Let us help you get the medical care you need and fight to make sure you are compensated for your injuries! Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
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