Shortly after filing your car accident claim, you’ll likely be contacted by the other driver’s insurance adjuster with a request for a recorded statement. However, agreeing to provide such a statement is not in your best interests.
Why the Insurance Company Wants a Recorded Statement
The other driver’s insurance company may pressure you to provide a recorded statement by claiming that you deserve an opportunity to tell your side of the story. If this happens, don’t forget that the insurance company is simply looking for a way to minimize its own expense in processing the claim. The insurance company will likely take advantage of your nervousness and try to get you to admit to partial fault or minimize the seriousness of your injuries. Unless you have an attorney present, you’ll have no safeguard against the adjuster asking inappropriate or irrelevant questions.
Once you provide a recorded statement, it becomes part of the case record. Since providing a recorded statement is unlikely to help further your claim for compensation, it’s best to refuse to comply with any request you receive from the other driver’s insurance company.
What Should I Do Instead?
A better alternative to providing a recorded statement is to submit a written statement that has been reviewed by your attorney. This provides the insurance adjuster with the necessary details to process the claim without damaging your own case.
A written statement should provide key details without speculating, complaining, or offering up irrelevant personal information. Your statement should include:
- The date and time of the accident
- The name of the road where the accident took place
- The direction you were traveling
- What actions the other driver took before the collision and how you responded
- Any immediate injury symptoms you noticed
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.