Should You Give Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters?
The aftermath of a car accident can be extremely overwhelming. Not only are the shock and trauma of the accident hard to navigate, but you’ll likely start to be contacted by a variety of parties, such as insurance company representatives and bill collectors. The representative from the insurance company that contacts you is referred to as the insurance claims adjuster, and they may not have your best interests at heart.
Unfortunately, many insurance claim adjusters can be extremely manipulative and try to convince you to enter a settlement that does not reflect the total monetary amount you’re entitled to. While adjusters may come off as friendly, they are not on your side, and it’s essential to give them as little information as possible. The adjuster will probably ask you for a recorded statement. If they ask you for this, it’s important to consult with your injury lawyer. In almost every situation, it’s best to avoid providing a recorded statement.
What to Know About Recorded Statements
An insurance claims adjuster will likely contact you soon after your accident. During this call, they will ask for details about the crash. Specifically, they may ask you to give a recorded statement. This is one of the most common tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims. It’s essential to know that, under Colorado law, you are not required to speak to a claims adjuster. It is in your best interests to delay the call if you are overwhelmed or in pain from your accident.
Even when you are in a better mental headspace, insurance companies can still use manipulative tactics to get you to say things on a recorded statement that can be used against you. Ultimately, the best way to deal with this process is to have a trusted car accident attorney handle communications with the insurance adjuster on your behalf.
Why Insurance Companies Use Recorded Statements
Recorded statements rarely benefit car accident victims. Most insurance providers use recorded statements to get you to say things they can later twist to use against you. For example, if on a recorded statement you say you didn’t incur any injuries from the crash but start to notice symptoms down the line, they can use your original words to deny benefits.
Typically, insurance companies try to get claimants to make statements immediately after an accident when victims are often in a disoriented state and don’t have the mental capacity to provide the details of the crash. This is because insurers want to use any mistakes against you to make you seem like an unreliable witness.
What to Do If You Are Asked for a Recorded Statement
In Colorado, you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to an insurance company. The best thing to do if you are asked for a recorded statement is to say no. Working with an attorney is the best way to handle communications with insurance companies and ensure you are best protected during the claims process.
Contact a Skilled Colorado Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in a car accident can be an extremely traumatic experience. From dealing with the initial shock of the crash to navigating conversations with your insurance company, it’s easy to make mistakes that can have serious implications. The best way to protect yourself and ensure you only provide statements to the insurance company that serve your best interests is to secure legal counsel from a skilled personal injury attorney. At Mintz Law, our experienced team of car accident attorneys can fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
At Mintz Law, our attorneys believe that compensation should match the severity of incurred injuries and damages, which is why we are dedicated to fighting on your behalf for the settlement you deserve. Let our Colorado car accident lawyers build an evidence-based case for you. To talk with one of our attorneys, call (303) 462-2999 or fill out our online contact form.