Should I Give My Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?

When dealing with the aftermath of an accident or an injury, one of the first things you may encounter is a call from your insurance company or the insurance company of the other party involved. They may request a recorded statement to help process your claim. While this may seem like a standard part of the claims process, you might wonder: should I give my insurance company a recorded statement? If you have questions about your rights after an accident, our team is available to help. You can reach us at (833) 832-2727 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.

Understanding Recorded Statements

A recorded statement is exactly what it sounds like: a verbal account of the incident that is recorded by the insurance company. During this process, an insurance adjuster will ask you a series of questions about the accident, your injuries, and any other relevant details. The purpose, they will say, is to “get the facts” and move forward with your claim. However, insurance companies have their own interests in mind – specifically, minimizing the amount they have to pay out.

While it might feel like the natural and cooperative thing to do, giving a recorded statement is not always in your best interest.

Do You Have to Give a Recorded Statement?

The short answer is: no, you are generally not required to give a recorded statement to an insurance company immediately after an accident. This is especially true when dealing with the other party’s insurance company. While your own policy might have provisions requiring cooperation during the claims process, this does not mean you must provide a recorded statement without proper preparation or legal guidance.

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that may seem innocuous but could potentially harm your claim. For example, if you say something inconsistent with other evidence – even unintentionally – the insurance company could use it to question your credibility.

For more information about what to avoid when speaking with your insurance company, check out our blog: “What Not to Say to an Insurance Adjuster.”

Risks of Giving a Recorded Statement

1. Unintended Admissions

After an accident, emotions run high. You may not have had time to fully process what happened, and your memory of the event might still be unclear. In this state, it’s easy to accidentally say something that could be interpreted as an admission of fault or downplay the severity of your injuries. Even something as simple as saying, “I’m fine,” could be misconstrued later.

2. Misinterpretation of Your Words

Insurance adjusters may ask leading or confusing questions. The way you respond could be taken out of context or twisted to minimize your claim. For instance, an adjuster might ask if you’ve seen a doctor yet. If you say no, they may argue that your injuries are not serious, even if you plan to seek medical attention shortly after.

3. Impact on How the Insurance Company Evaluates your Claim

Anything you say may be considered by the insurance company when evaluating the value of your claim. If your account of the accident differs slightly from what you’ve said before or what the evidence shows, the insurance company may argue that your claim lacks credibility, even if the differences are minor or unrelated to the key facts of the case.

4. Lack of Legal Representation

If you provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney, you may unknowingly waive certain rights or fail to protect your best interests. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to minimize payouts; having your own legal advocate can help ensure your rights are protected during the claims process.

When Should You Provide a Statement?

While you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement, there are situations where it may become necessary. For example, your own insurance policy may require cooperation as part of the claims process. However, even in these cases, you should:

• Consult an attorney before agreeing to provide a recorded statement.
• Schedule the statement at a time when you are prepared and calm.
• Stick to the facts and avoid speculation or guessing.

If you do decide to provide a statement, your attorney can help you prepare and even be present during the recording to ensure your rights are protected.

Working with an Attorney

While it may seem cooperative to give a recorded statement, remember that insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts. By being cautious, seeking legal advice, and understanding your rights, you can avoid common pitfalls and help you understand your legal options and pursue remedies available under Washington law.

If you’ve been in an accident and are unsure whether to provide a recorded statement, call us now at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today. Our Tacoma personal injury lawyers can guide you through the claims process and provide guidance and representation to help protect your rights under Washington law.