When it comes to car accidents, your auto insurance company could be responsible for paying medical and other expenses related to that accident, regardless of who is “at fault” or has responsibility for the accident. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? This is why having the best El Paso car accident lawyer is crucial. But during the process of your claim, it is common for your insurance company’s expert to ask you to give a recorded statement to complete their “investigation.”

What is it?

Recorded statements typically take place over the phone, during which you have to answer the expert’s questions while an audio recording is made. But since insurance companies exist for the benefit of shareholders, the truth is that your insurance company must deny as many claims as possible to reduce the cost of paying benefits. Therefore, the recorded statement can be a dangerous experience to navigate.

What is it not?

The recorded statement is not the time to file complaints against another driver, their insurance company, the police, or your insurance company. Nor is it an opportunity to provide the appraiser with any information that is not exactly what is asked of you (and sometimes not even that!). Speak slowly, speak clearly, and be concise. The simpler, the better during recorded statements.

What should I do?

As a general rule, you should never give a recorded statement, or any statement regarding a car accident, without first consulting an attorney. To guide you in understanding recorded statements and the risks associated with them, here are some important tips for giving a recorded statement to your insurance company. 

The expert is not your friend

It’s true, even the expert from your insurance company is not on your side, no matter how nice they seem during the recorded statement. The purpose of the recorded statement is typically to gather evidence against you so that the insurance company can deny more of your bills. Common tactics used by claims experts include asking confusing questions or trying to trick you into giving answers that can harm your case. The expert may even intimidate you into confirming facts of which you are not completely sure. But be careful, a supposed answer can get you in trouble in the future. It’s always okay to answer, “I don’t know,” or “I don’t remember.” These answers are much better than “I think so,” or “Maybe.” For the same reasons, make sure you fully understand each question before answering it.

Get ready

What you say in a recorded statement will be compared to other statements given in the past, or that you give in the future, including statements given to an investigating police officer or during an affidavit given in connection with other litigation arising from another car accident. car. Sometimes you may not remember the details of the accident very well. To avoid assumptions, it is important that you review the facts of your case, previous statements, photos of the accident scene, and your medical history to convey this information accurately and avoid being accused of lying by the insurance company.