Should I Agree to Give a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Adjuster?

Following an accident, the insurance company will want to know what happened from all involved parties. Expect to be contacted by a claims adjuster, who may request a recorded statement from you about the details of the accident.

You might think that accepting this seemingly simple request could help move the claims process along quicker, but what you say to an adjuster can be used against you and hurt your chances of recovering fair compensation. This is why it is important to speak to an experienced attorney. You want to avoid making any statements that may appear as an admission of guilt or fault.

The Maryland personal injury lawyers from our firm are prepared to offer legal advice in a free consultation. Let us help determine when you should give a recorded statement or your next steps after you have already given a recorded statement, so what you say is not misconstrued.

Reasons Insurance Adjusters Want Recorded Statements

The main reason why an insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement is that he or she wants to hear your version of events. The adjuster will compile the police or accident report, evidence from the accident scene, and use your statement to build a case.

While insurance adjusters may seem nice and agreeable  to deal with, they are all just doing their job, which is to find a reason to devalue or deny your claim. They may also try to get you to contradict a statement you previously made or make it seem that you were lying beforehand. It is important to note that any statements made, in writing or on video, become a part of the case.

How Giving a Recorded Statement Could Hurt You

An insurance adjuster is trained to ask questions to try to find fault. Although you might think the question is innocent, their main objective is for you to say something wrong in order to pay out as little as possible. Unlike a lawyer, adjusters are not looking out for your best interests.

For example, if you tell the adjuster you were on your way home after a tough day at work when the accident happened, he or she might claim that your focus was not on the road. They might claim you were distracted. The adjuster could say that your emotions and difficult day at work led you to make a poor decision that led to the accident.

It does not take much for an insurance adjuster to turn your answers against you, leading to the denial of your claim.

Steps to Take If You Decide to Give a Statement

Should you decide to give a recorded statement to an adjuster, there are several things you can do to protect your claim:

• Ask for the statement to not be recorded
• Do not volunteer any extra information
• Keep your statement brief and avoid explaining things
• Avoid answering questions you do not know the answer to or are unsure about
• Do not admit fault or guilt
• Avoid signing any documentation without it being reviewed by a lawyer

Learn More About Your Rights

You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. Whether you do or not is entirely your decision to make.

Our legal team at Peter T. Nicholl Law Offices are prepared to review your circumstances and advise you of your rights during a free consultation. We know how adjusters think and the tactics they use to diminish the value of your claim. There is no risk, obligation or upfront fees involved for using our services. We only get paid at the end of the legal process if you win.

We look forward to helping you. Call 410-244-7005 today.