Should I Give A Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?
Recorded statements are an opportunity for the insurance company to question you on record about the accident and your injuries. Though you can give the insurance company a recorded statement, it is best to consult with an attorney before doing so. Opinions vary as to whether or not giving a recorded statement benefits a claimant. Recorded statements may expedite the investigation and get the case settled quicker. On the other hand, a recorded statement can greatly damage a claim if the claimant says anything damaging in the recorded statement. It is important to have an attorney on your side who you are confident in to help you win.
From the first call, Austin was incredibly supportive and understanding. He took the time to listen to my story and immediately got to work on my case. What stood out to me was how compassionate and approachable he was, yet also incredibly sharp and detail-oriented. He didn’t just treat me like another case—he treated me like a person who needed help.
Austin was thorough in gathering evidence and dealing with the insurance company, which was a huge relief for me. I didn’t have to worry about a thing because I knew he was handling it all. He kept me updated throughout the process and made sure I understood my options at every step.
The end result was more than I could have hoped for. Austin secured a settlement that covered all my medical expenses, plus compensation for the pain and disruption the accident caused in my life. The financial relief has been crucial in helping me get back on my feet.
I highly recommend Austin Merk to anyone who has been in an accident. He’s not only an excellent attorney but also a genuinely caring person who will fight for you. If you need someone who will go the extra mile to make sure you’re taken care of, Austin is the lawyer you want in your corner.
Austin's expertise and attention to detail were evident as he meticulously gathered all necessary evidence and built a strong case on my behalf. His negotiation skills were top-notch, and he was able to secure a settlement that exceeded my expectations.
What truly set Austin apart was his genuine concern for my well-being. He was always available to answer my questions, provided regular updates, and made me feel like a priority. His compassionate approach helped ease the stress and anxiety that often accompanies such situations.
I highly recommend Austin Smith and Merck Law to anyone in need of legal representation. Their dedication, professionalism, and personal touch make them an outstanding choice. Thank you, Austin, for your exceptional service and support!
He made sure that our case got handled with the utmost care and brought us the justice that we needed. His quick responses were always genuine and his expertise really helped us through a very tough time. Without his help, I believe we could have faced serious losses. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Merck Law for their kindness and dedication and would definitely recommend to anyone who may find themselves in a similar situation.
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What is a Recorded Statement?
A recorded statement is an opportunity to explain the the insurance company what did and did not occur in relation to the accident you were involved in. A recorded statement is an important tool adjusters use to evaluate your personal injury claim. Your statements you make can be brought up later to help or hurt your case. It is important to remember the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Many adjusters are very pleasant, but you do not want to get a false sense of comfort by forgetting who the adjuster works for.
Why Do Adjusters Want Recorded Statements?
The adjuster typically hears the at-fault party tell their side of the story. The adjuster also wants to hear the claimants side of the story to get a clearer picture of the incident. The adjuster can use the recorded statement along with witness statements, reports, and pictures to build a better picture of what took place in the accident.
Many adjusters also use the opportunity to build a case for the insurance company to deny the claim or reduce the value of the claim. For this reason, it is recommended to speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement.
Many Attorneys Advise Against Recorded Statements
There are many reasons attorneys may advise against recorded statements that are not required. Some of these reasons include:
- Adjusters jobs include finding issues in a claimants case
- Adjusters can use your words against you
- Voluntary recorded statements can be used against you in court
These are a few reasons attorneys may recommend against giving a voluntary recorded statement, however, there are many unique reasons people choose to give or not give recorded statements. It is important you have confidence in your attorney and you discuss your options thoroughly.
Some Recorded Statements Are Contractually Required
Typically, when making a claim against your own insurance company, they will raise a contractual obligation you have to give a recorded statement. This obligation may arise in a Cooperation Clause in your auto insurance policy. It is important to discuss your options in these situations with an attorney so that you know your options.
Common Recorded Statement Questions
When giving a recorded statement, there are some common questions that may be asked. Here are a few of those questions:
- Do you understand this is being recorded?
- Do you agree to being recorded?
- Can I record this conversation?
- What type of car were your driving?
- What was the year of the car you were driving?
- Are you the owner of the car?
- How did the accident occur?
- Were you working at the time of the accident?
- Were you driving the car for your employer?
- Were other vehicles involved in the accident?
- Was your car damaged?
- Did you have passengers in your car?
- When did the accident occur?
- Were there any witnesses to the accident?
- Were you using a cell phone during the accident?
- Were you distracted by anything at the time of the accident?
- Was the radio on at the time of the accident?
- What did you do to avoid the collision?
- What are your injuries from the accident?
- Did you have those injuries before the accident?
- Did anyone call an ambulance?
- Were you treated at the crash site?
- Have you seen a doctor since the accident?
- Did you consume alcohol or drugs anytime within twenty-four hours before the accident?
- How are you feeling today?
- Are you currently employed?
- What do you do for work?
- How much money do you make?
- Do you have any chronic conditions, diseases, or injuries?
About Us
We are Merck Law, LLC. We are a team of lawyers known for not being afraid to go to trial fighting for the injured, our client. Our team has over 38 years of experience. This could be your first time considering calling an injury attorney. You may be experiencing pain and discomfort. You may be confronting unpaid and unexpected medical bills, time off of work and don’t know what to do or how to proceed. Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident, premise accident, dog bite, shooting, wrongful death, or other incident that was the fault of someone else? Contact us for a free consultation.
