An accident can have you busy dealing with so many things apart from your injuries. From getting medical attention to filing a personal injury claim, you may have more tasks on your to-do lists than you have time. Then, you get a call from the insurance company of the at-fault party. The company may request that you provide them with a recorded statement. What will you do then? It is best to speak with a Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will discuss your legal rights and options during your initial consultation.
Consider Who is Asking for a Recorded Statement
Before deciding whether to give a recorded statement or not, you must know who is asking. If you get this request from your insurance provider, you may need to comply. Although it’s not a legal requirement, it might be part of your contract with them. If you do not cooperate with their investigation, the company could drop you as their client.
But, if the request comes from the insurance company of the at-fault party, you don’t need to comply with them. In general, giving a recorded statement is not a good idea without consulting an attorney first.
How an Insurance Company Can Use Your Statement Against You
An insurance company will find something in your statement that can hurt you and your claim. Perhaps you told them before that a headache was your first injury symptom. Then, you say in your recorded statement that it was neck pain. Such inconsistency can be used against you and use it as an example of your tendency to change your story, allowing them to cast more doubt on whatever you may see in the future.
The insurance company of the at-fault party is not on your side; however, it won’t tell you about this. Often, when an insurance adjuster approaches you, they try to be friendly. This way, you will let your guard down and feel comfortable conversing with them. But, keep in mind that whatever the adjuster will do is to protect the bottom line of the company that employs them.
What to Do If the Insurance Company Asks for a Statement
Before you speak with an insurance adjuster, speak with a lawyer first. The insurance adjuster will use your recorded statement and anything you say to them each time you communicate with them against you. This is the reason you should let your lawyer handle all communication with them for you.
