As an attorney, I really do not encourage you to give a recorded statement without your attorney. When insurance companies ask for such a statement, it’s their standard procedure. In response, I usually ask why they need it.
For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, in the rear-end of your vehicle while you were standing still, why do they need a recorded statement to establish liability or fault? The obvious answer is they don’t. In that situation, I would not let my client give a recorded statement. However, in contrast, if the issue is who ran the red light and my client can clearly describe that he or she did not, such a statement may help the investigation and increase the likelihood that we won’t need a lawsuit to determine which driver was at fault.
After a car wreck, you should contact your own insurance company to report the accident and initiate the claims process. Your insurance company will likely ask you to provide details about the accident, such as where and when it occurred, who was involved and the extend of the damages. Most likely, they will ask to for a recorded statement wherein you would provide the facts of the wreck and a description of your injuries. Keep in mind that this can be used against you later. As a result, if you give a recorded statement, don’t minimize your injuries or guess at things you don’t know. Keep your answers brief. Only answer the question(s) presented and don’t hesitate to list all your injuries and the treatment you may seek to address these injuries.
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company may also be responsible for covering the cost of your vehicle repairs. In this case, you should contact the other driver’s insurance company and provide them with details about the car accident. However, keep in mind that they do not represent you but rather, they represent the interests of the insured. So again, if you give a recorded statement to them, don’t minimize your injuries and don’t guess at things you don’t know.
I’m attorney Jim Desmond. I focused on handling car wrecks and motorcycle accidents. You might say, this is my wheelhouse. If you have questions about your situation, call me on my cell phone. I don’t charge to speak with you and to provide some initial advice about your options. My cell phone is (502) 609-7657.
