Being injured in an accident is a traumatic experience, but the obstacles will not end there. Oftentimes, within hours of an accident, the other party’s insurance company will reach out to the accident victim. At this point, most will not have a chance to obtain skilled legal representation, which is why this tactic is frequently used. However, all you need to know at this stage is that you should not provide a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. Your personal injury attorney will guide you through any follow-up phone calls you might receive.
Recorded Statements Only Benefit the Insurance Company
The insurance adjuster might lead you to believe that a recorded statement is required, but you are by no means obligated to do so, especially so soon after the accident. You are probably still in shock and, if you already saw a doctor and received prescription painkillers for your injuries, you might even be too drowsy to coherently speak about the events that occurred.
Many of the questions the adjuster will ask you cannot be answered so soon after the accident. For example, you might be asked about your injuries. Even if you were seen by a doctor, it is too early to discuss your injuries since it might not yet be clear how long it will take to recover or if you will suffer any permanent damage. You and your attorney will discuss your injuries when you are ready to write a demand letter and begin negotiations.
Remember, even if you do not agree to provide a recorded statement, everything else you say during your conversation with the adjuster is still on record, so be careful with what you say. That is why it is crucial to only provide basic information, such as your full name, where the accident occurred, when it occurred, the make and model of your car, and your contact information. You do not need to talk about how you think the accident happened. Investigators will look into what caused the accident, so if anything is inconsistent with your statement, the adjuster will use it against you.
Rudeness will not do you any favors, so try to remain calm and polite in your refusal. You never know if your kindness might inspire the adjuster to extend a little goodwill your way.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today!
If you were injured in an accident, contact the team at Foley Griffin for the outstanding legal advice and representation you need at this time. Our team has the knowledge, experience, and compassion to get you through the process of pursuing compensation for your injuries, so you do not have to shoulder the burden of someone else’s mistakes. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us legal fees until we win your case.
Reach out to our law office today at (888) 966-8480 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.