An insurance company will often call to ask that you make a recorded statement about an accident. That request may come from your own insurance company or the insurance company for the other party involved in an accident where there are injuries or property damage.

Why not?

Giving a statement about an accident to an insurance company seems like a reasonable request. After all, why would it be a problem? The accident was clearly the fault of the other party. Even a police report might document that. Perhaps the other party even admitted their responsibility at the scene of the accident.

Why do they want to record it?

Look at the situation from the opposite perspective. If information about the accident is already available, why would the insurance company need to record a statement from you?

The answer should be obvious: They are trying to reveal any information that will help them, not you.

This is likely true even if it is your own insurance company, for no other reason than all businesses today are trying to control costs. And claims cost money that might otherwise become profits for the company. While agents and clerks are not specifically told to deny claims, it’s highly probable that they are instructed to carefully review all details of an accident claim and hold down expenses.

Why making a recorded statement might be difficult

Giving a recorded statement over the phone sounds like a simple task, but in reality, there are a myriad of factors that can impact how you present information. You’ve been in an accident and sustained injuries, after all, so may not be feeling well. You might still be in the hospital when they call.

Or it could be as basic as the fact that you might be nervous talking to strangers or answering a barrage of questions. You may be fatigued. You might be taking pain medication. They might call you at your place of work. You might not be comfortable articulating specific answers. You might be distracted while on the phone.

Are you required to record a statement?

There is no legal requirement to provide a recorded statement. Liability can be determined without it. In most circumstances, the recorded statement is made for the interests of the insurance company, not for processing your claim.

What if they keep asking?

You may feel pressure to comply with the request. This can be particularly distressing if you are still not feeling well. Stress can impact your health and healing.

Remember, although most of us try to be helpful and responsive and do what we can to resolve a situation, you are under no obligation to give a recorded statement. You don’t always have to be nice and give everyone who calls what they want from you.

We work with insurance companies all the time

As your legal representative, our offices can deal with insurance companies and ensure they receive whatever information they need to process your claim. We can work with your own insurance company as well as the insurance company for any other parties involved in the accident. Our office can also serve as a buffer between you and any callers to handle whatever requests they might have. We will stand by you, so you can relax and get better.

We’re here to help, so call us today if you have any questions about dealing with an insurance claim for injuries from an accident. This is what we do, every day, and we do it well. Let us work with you to resolve your claim and get payment for your medical bills, so you can move on with your life.