The Importance of Not Providing a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

If you have been in an auto accident, it is important to provide notice of the accident to your own insurance company timely. Most auto insurance policies require you to notify the insurer of any accident you are involved in, even if you were not at fault. This gives the insurer time to prepare for any possible claim filed against them by the other driver. Failing to provide proper notice could result in the insurer canceling your policy. Before doing so, you should consult with a San Antonio auto accident lawyer.

In addition, the insurance company representing the liable party may also contact you. It is just as important that you do not speak to them. They may ask for a recorded statement, or record your conversation without your knowledge. This can hurt your case in many ways. Below, our San Antonio auto accident lawyer outlines the risks of providing the insurance company (including your own) with a recorded statement.

Questions Insurers Ask to Reduce Your Claim

The questions the insurance adjuster will ask you may seem innocent enough. They are not. They are specially designed to try and get you to admit fault, apologize for the crash, or inform them of pre-existing conditions. Some of the most common questions insurance adjusters ask include:

• What happened? Insurance adjusters ask this question so you will provide as many details of the crash as possible. They are looking for details or inconsistencies that can suggest you were to blame.
• How are you feeling? This seems like a very sympathetic question, but it is not. Many people will answer ‘okay’ or ‘fine’ out of habit or to be polite. The adjuster will use this as proof that you were not as seriously hurt as you claimed.
• When did you realize you were hurt? Again, this seems like a fairly simple question but they are actually trying to determine if you sought medical attention right away. If you did not, or you simply did not feel pain when visiting the emergency room, the adjuster will also use this to prove that you were not severely injured.

Are You Required to Give a Recorded Statement?

Under state law in Texas, you are required to share certain information at the scene of any auto accident. This includes your name, address, vehicle registration number, and your auto insurance details.

There is no law, though, that requires you to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company representing the at-fault party. In fact, you are not obligated to speak to or communicate with them at all. It is also highly recommended that you do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company, as this could significantly hurt your case. Instead, direct the adjuster to your San Antonio auto accident lawyer who can communicate with them on your behalf.

Our Auto Accident Lawyer in San Antonio Can Protect Your Rights After a Crash

After any crash, the first person you should speak to is your San Antonio auto accident lawyer. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure your best interests are protected and you receive a fair settlement. Call us now at 210-LAW-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.