If you were injured in a car accident in California, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly, sometimes on the same day. The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened.
Even if the request sounds routine, you do not have to provide a recorded statement simply because an insurance adjuster asks for one. What you say could affect how the insurer evaluates your claim.
Do not feel pressured to give a statement
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after a crash, when you are still dealing with injuries, medical care, vehicle damage or uncertainty about what happened. You can politely decline to give a recorded statement until you understand your options.
You can say that you are not prepared to provide a recorded statement and that you will follow up when you are ready.
Before speaking with the other driver’s insurer, consider:
- Asking who the adjuster represents and why they need your statement.
- Avoiding guesses about the crash, your injuries or your future medical needs.
- Keeping your answers limited to facts you know.
- Speaking with a California personal injury attorney before providing a recorded statement.
Why a recorded statement can matter
The insurer is not your advocate. Its adjuster is gathering information to evaluate the claim, which may include determining whether its policyholder was responsible and how much the claim may be worth.
A recorded statement creates a permanent record of your words. If you later remember additional details or your medical condition changes, the insurer could compare your later statements with the recording.
That does not mean you should refuse all communication with the insurance company. It means you should be careful about what you say and when you say it.
What if they say the statement is required?
An adjuster may make the request sound urgent, but you can ask why the statement is necessary and whether you can provide information in another way. If you have an attorney representing you, the insurer generally should communicate through your attorney regarding the claim.
Protect your claim before you speak
You do not need to make a recorded statement just because the other insurer calls on the day of your accident. Take time to address your injuries and understand your legal options first.
If you were injured in a California car accident, an attorney can review the circumstances of the crash, explain how the claims process works and help you communicate with the insurance company.
