Connecticut Personal Injury Claims:
Things You Should Know About Giving A Recorded Statement
If you have been in an accident and chose to bring an insurance claim on your own without the assistance of an attorney, you will be asked to give a recorded statement to the insurance agent. This is a crucial part of the claim settlement; regardless of whether you sustained injuries in a Connecticut car accident, the insurance adjuster will seek to ask you a series of questions about the accident. Often, insurance companies will hire nice and friendly adjusters that seem to care about the details of the accident. However, this does not change the fact that they are in the business to lower your compensation and raise their profits.
It is good to know that if you are not fully prepared, you have the right to decline to give a recorded statement. Also keep in mind- once you give your recorded statement, it is nearly impossible to correct or give another statement. And later, if you decide to hire an attorney and to bring a lawsuit in Connecticut against the driver who caused your injuries, whether it is in Waterbury, Danbury, Stamford, New Haven or Hartford, the answers you give in a recorded statement can be used against you in the case.
Yet, in some instances, you may not need a lawyer to help you with your case. Oftentimes, before agreeing to settle your case, the insurance adjuster will require that a statement be recorded for the file. This applies even if you were injured in Connecticut, as you will more than likely speak with an adjuster who is from out of state. Here are a few tips on how to give a good, recorded statement:
- Have your documents accessible.
Make sure you have your medical history, your medical bills and your copy of the accident report. You may be asked to refer to these documents during the questioning so it is important to have these prepared.
- Answer with facts only.
Answer with the facts of the case. Do not speculate or guess what may have happened during the accident. This may weaken your claim and will ultimately lower your compensation. Answer only the question that is asked of you.
- Remain levelheaded.
You will need to answer a series of questions about your case, it is very important to stay calm so you are able to answer appropriately. Do not state anything negative about the other driver. It doesn’t help anyone if you present an attitude.
- Keep your answers precise.
Do not give more information than what they asked for. Give enough to answer the question.
- Ask for a transcript of the recorded statement.
A recorded statement will verify that what you said was recorded accurately.
Recording a statement can be an intimidating process. The adjuster could attempt to trick you into admitting to things that did not happen or is not relevant to your case. During a claim, you will need to deal with the insurance companies. Their only goal is keeping compensations low. You have the option to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you get the right compensation you are entitled to and help to protect your rights. So, before you give a recorded statement, think about whether it will benefit you and your case. In Connecticut, we will often advise clients to decline to give a recorded statement. This does not apply to every case as each case is different.
If you need advice with your car or motor accident claim please contact Personal Injury Attorney James A. Welcome by emailing him at jwelcome@welcomelawfirm.com or by calling (203) 806-7922 to set up a personal consultation. We are here to help you with any concerns and questions you have regarding your personal injury case.