- October 12, 2023
- Car Accidents
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster asking for a recorded statement. This can be a stressful and confusing situation, but it’s important to know your rights and understand the potential implications of giving such a statement.
Our Douglasville car accident lawyers can handle communications with the other driver’s insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have to Give a Statement?
Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that there is no legal requirement under Georgia law to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company is only asking in the hopes of helping themselves defend against your personal injury claim later.
The Risks of Giving a Recorded Statement
There are several risks associated with giving a recorded statement to an insurer.
- Securing Your Narrative: Insurance adjusters often record statements to solidify your version of events, which they then scrutinize for reasons to reduce or reject your insurance claim.
- Suggestive Questions: They might pose leading questions to trick you into saying something that can be used against you.
- Manipulating Your Words: They have the ability to distort your words and interpret them out of context.
- Admission of Fault: If you express any remorse about the accident, perhaps merely expressing regret that it happened, the adjuster may interpret your statement as an admission of fault.
- Inconsistency: If you say something that is incorrect or doesn’t match the rest of your story, even if it’s a small detail, the insurance adjuster can try to undermine your claim.
Remember, it’s always best to consult with a qualified attorney before giving a recorded statement to an insurer. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
How to Handle Requests for a Recorded Statement
As a rule of thumb, it’s advisable to let a seasoned lawyer handle all interactions with the other driver’s insurance company. There’s a high likelihood that any harmless comment you make could be twisted against you, regardless of whether you were responsible for the accident or not.
The Role of an Attorney
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to share information with the other driver’s insurance company, it’s highly recommended to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer right away. A reliable attorney can guide you on what to disclose and what to withhold from the adjuster, or they can even communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Always remember, that your rights and interests come first, and you shouldn’t feel compelled to do anything that might jeopardize your case.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Tactics
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the settlement amount the insurance company will have to pay out. They may use various tactics to achieve this, including trying to rush you into giving a statement before you have had a chance to understand your rights. They may also try to catch you off guard, hoping that you will say something that can be used against you later.
It’s important to remember that the insurance company’s interests are not the same as yours. Their goal is to minimize their payout, while your goal is to get the compensation you deserve. Therefore, it’s crucial to be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters and to seek legal advice before giving a recorded statement.
If the other driver’s insurance company requests a recorded statement, it is best to decline. Contact the experienced attorneys at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler today to get the assistance you require. Our offices can be reached at 678-825-6004. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
