You’ve been involved in a serious accident. You’ve suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence. When you file a claim with the insurance company, you’ll likely feel as though you readily deserve the compensation you need for your injuries.
The insurance company, however, is looking for ways they can pay out as little as possible. As a result, they will collect information to build their own valuation of your claim. This entails collecting certain evidence like a recorded statement. This recorded statement is something that the insurance company will often use against injury victims. You should know you have rights in this matter and can protect yourself.
What Is a Recorded Statement For?
The insurance company is trying to collect evidence to help prove, or in their case disprove, liability after a car accident. One of the many pieces of evidence they pursue is a recorded statement from the plaintiff to get their side of the story.
While they may lead you to think they’re going to help resolve your claim, they’re most often using the recorded statement to find any differences that may exist from your initial statement. If they can use a comment against you, they will.
For example, the insurance company wants you to say that you apologized, or that you didn’t see the defendant—anything that sets you as somewhat at fault for the accident. They use this to limit their own liability, meaning to lower the value of your claim or deny you compensation altogether.
Do I Have to Provide the Recorded Statement?
If you are requested to provide a recorded statement, know that you have the right to have legal representation with you. Your lawyer can help you with the statement so that you don’t say something that can be used against you in the claim.
At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we’ll stay with you through the process so we can protect you from the exploitative acts of the insurance company. We’ll work with you to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you need.
With our Sacramento car accident attorneys on your side, you don’t have to worry about the insurance company trying to take advantage of you. We’re here to protect you, your rights and pursue the outcome you need to move forward after a serious accident.