Auto Accident Traps: Recorded Statements

Insurance companies are consistently looking for ways that they can avoid paying out your coverage. Even though your insurance company may seem like they are a group of friends, the adjusters that are working with are a group of trained negotiators that are working to save their company as much money as possible. Here are some of the traps that insurance companies use to try and lower the settlement that they will pay out:

A Call of Concern

You might receive a call shortly after the accident from the insurance adjuster that represents someone else that was involved. The at fault driver for the accident may have their insurance company call you and ask for a statement. Even if the insurance adjuster suggests that your statement is required, it’s very unlikely that you will need to give a recorded statement to anybody but your own insurance company.

Giving a recorded statement could reduce your compensation by having you admit partial fault for the accident or by finding ways that less severity could be placed on the extent of your injuries or the full accident.

Other Trap Questions

Recorded statements that you give with your own insurance adjuster can also come with a series of trap questions. Your insurance adjuster may ask some of the following to try and reduce the value of your claim:

How do you feel today? (Answering with good or well could devalue the extent of your injuries)

Did you have a seatbelt on? (You could have your claim denied if you were not wearing a seatbelt).

Did you ride in an ambulance after the accident? ( if you didn’t receive in amulets from the accident site your injuries may be deemed less serious)

Did your airbag deploy? (If the airbag didn’t deploy during the accident, the insurance adjuster may say that the auto manufacturer is liable for your injuries)

How was the weather during the accident? ( conditions during an accident can often determine negligence or liability. )

Why Representation Is Important

When giving any type of recorded statement it’s best to have some type of representation. Working with an insurance attorney to make sure that you can stay protected and that you won’t give false or misleading statements that could lead to your claim being devalued. Contact us today if you would like access to representation for your claim.

This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is an St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorney She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injury. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your individual situation.

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