Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies?  Don’t do it!

If you or anyone you know has been involved in a motorcycle or automobile accident involving another vehicle, you probably know that very soon after the accident the other person’s insurance company calls to get you to give a “recorded statement.” Don’t do it! Insurance adjusters have been trained to unfairly trick you into saying what you should not say, in order to gain an unfair advantage against you.

The insurance company for the other person involved has no duty to treat you with good-faith or in a fair manner. The insurance company and its adjusters ask you questions to lead you into saying something that will harm your chances of obtaining a proper recovery. Always speak to an attorney to discuss the accident before speaking with an insurance company to give a statement.

In a recent case I handled, the insurance company contacted my client (before she came to see me) and asked her to give a recorded statement. My client, wanting to cooperate, gave the statement. During the statement, the insurance adjuster asked “Do you feel the condition (causing the injury) was an ‘unreasonably dangerous condition?’” My client said “No.”  What my client did not know is that the words “unreasonably dangerous” have a very specific legal meaning – a meaning not understood by most people. Because my client answered this trick question, it harmed her case severely.

If you are asked by your own insurer to give a recorded statement after an accident, you have an obligation under your policy to reasonably cooperate with your insurer. But you should talk to an attorney before giving any statement. Once you have given a recorded statement, you can not undo any damage that may have been done.

Law Offices of K. Alan Holcomb, P.C.
208 East Woodman Drive
Tempe, AZ. 85283
480-456-5194 (Phone)
602-532-7078 (Fax)
www.holcomb-law.com