What is a Recorded Statement?
A recorded statement is requested from insurance adjusters, and these statements assist in determining fault after an accident and how much compensation should be paid. Oftentimes, the adjuster will ask questions about the accident, injuries caused, and the medical treatment needed. This recording between the individual and the adjuster becomes official documentation. The call is saved, transcribed, and usually reviewed by the following individuals:
- Supervisors
- Investigators
- Defense attorneys
- Medical experts
These conversations can seem harmless, but are often done in a way to trick you. Individuals often are not aware that they are not required to answer these types of questions, but insurance adjusters do not tell them that. The ultimate goal of these insurance adjusters is to get individuals to try to make claims that can be used against them to limit the amount of compensation they receive. Insurance adjusters will often look for the following in these recorded statements as ways to trick victims:
- Inconsistencies
- Description of your injuries
- Additional information
Questions to look out for during these calls include the following:
- How the accident occurred
- What happened before the accident
- Your speed
- When your pain began
- Whether you had prior injuries
Do I Have to Provide a Recorded Statement?
Individuals who are contacted by the insurance company for the other party involved in the crash are not mandated to give a recorded statement. On the contrary, it is advised for individuals to stay away from giving recorded statements or providing unnecessary information, as it can harm their case and the amount of compensation they may be eligible to receive. Individuals asked to make statements can decline and state that they prefer the support of legal advice first. Individuals should contact experienced lawyers to help with their case and provide them with the tools and support they need to receive justice. In addition, your own insurance company can also try to trick you into providing them with information they can use to lower the amount of compensation you receive. It is important to understand the information you are stating and refrain from providing excessive details.
Insurance companies will often call victims early, as they are aware these individuals may experience a worsening of their injuries over time. Oftentimes, injuries such as whiplash, soft-tissue damage, spinal inflammation, or concussions worsen days and weeks after the initial accident. When individuals state they “feel fine” during the recorded statement, the insurer may use that information to argue that the individual was not injured.
How Do I Prepare to Give a Recorded Statement to My Insurance Company?
Individuals who decide or are contractually required to give recorded statements to insurers must understand the importance of preparing for the conversation. This is to ensure that their wording, facts, and timing are aligned and interpreted correctly by the insurance company to avoid any additional challenges. The following are some important preparation steps individuals can take to ensure they are ready to provide adequate information:
- Do not rush into the statement
- Seek medical treatment before speaking
- Avoid minimizing your injuries
- Review the facts of the case
- Time
- Location
- Weather conditions
- Direction of travel
- Traffic signals
Seeking Legal Representation
Seeking legal advice and representation is crucial to understanding the facts and legalities of your case. This is to ensure that victims and their loved ones receive the justice and compensation they deserve. An experienced attorney and the proper legal advice can provide victims with adequate techniques and tools to understand their rights. An attorney can help determine whether you are required to provide statements, prepare you for likely questions, be present during the recording, and protect you from providing harmful information. Legal representation is crucial to cases involving serious injuries, as it can help victims and their loved ones focus on recovering instead of adding additional stress from the challenges of dealing with insurance companies.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
At KAASS LAW, we understand the importance of providing recorded statements without legal advice can weaken your overall case. At KAASS LAW, we are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and the legalities of their cases to ensure they are being protected from insurance companies. Our experienced attorneys will guide their clients through every step of the legal process and make sure they feel comfortable and supported during these challenging times. KAASS LAW helps its clients by doing the following:
- Advising individuals whether they should give recorded statements
- Communicating directly with insurance adjusters
- Preventing the spread of misleading information
- Gathering medical evidence
- Determining the value of the damages caused
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, understanding your rights before speaking can make a vital difference. The KAASS LAW team understands this and is ready to help. Call KAASS LAW today to receive the justice and compensation that you deserve.