DON'T HANDLE SUFFERING ON YOUR OWN CONTACT US
Wrecked Car in the Middle of the Road

SHOULD I GIVE A RECORDED STATEMENT TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER AFTER A CAR WRECK?

Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, LLC Aug. 18, 2020

Millions of people are injured in auto accidents every year. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the annual economic cost of auto crashes is $242 billion. Individuals involved in a car wreck are entitled to pursue fair compensation for their injuries and damages. However, when insurance claims remain unresolved and end up in a lawsuit, insurance adjusters are often called upon to investigate and settle the matter.

The moments following an auto accident can be confusing, and you may not know what to do. Giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney is generally discouraged. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan, & Foley can offer detailed guidance and review your options. We will fight passionately to protect your rights and help you negotiate fair compensation with the insurance company. We proudly serve clients in Durango, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, and The Four Corners, Colorado.

Insurance Adjuster’s Role

An insurance adjuster is an expert who investigates claims to determine how much your insurance company should pay you for injuries and damages or losses sustained in a car accident. They are also referred to as claim adjusters, claims specialists, or independent claims analysts. Depending on the type of insurance company they work for, claims adjusters have several duties. Some of these include:

  • Investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims

  • Help determine a fair settlement by assessing damages and speaking with you and other witnesses

  • Assess whether the insurance policy covers the loss claimed

  • Decide the rightful financial compensation the insurance company should pay for your injuries

  • Contact claimants’ employers, or doctors to get additional information on dubious claims

  • Ensure that claims are transparent and not fraudulent

  • Work with attorneys and legal counsels on claims when required

  • Negotiate a settlement with the claimant or their representatives

  • Authorize payments to claimants

  • Deny claims or refer the claims to an investigator

Requests for a Statement

During their investigation, the insurance adjuster may request a statement. Generally, it is a bad idea to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with your attorney because the claims adjusters may:

  • Use your statement against you

  • Use it to reduce compensation

  • Ask contradictory questions to create inconsistency

The main goal of the adjuster is to help the insurance company make money. They are professional interrogators who interview claimants and witnesses regularly. If you agree to give a recorded statement, the insurance adjuster may use questioning techniques to get you to say something that may hurt your case.

What to Say If You Choose To Give a Statement

If you do choose to give a statement to the insurance adjuster, here are some things to remember:

  • Ask for it not to be recorded

  • Don’t admit guilt

  • Don’t answer questions you don’t know the answer to

  • Don’t volunteer additional information

  • Keep it brief

  • Don’t sign anything before it’s reviewed by an attorney

To be on the safe side and not hurt your case, JUST SAY NO politely.

What Information Will They Ask Me to Provide?

The insurance adjuster may request the following information from you:

  • Personal details such as full name, address, and telephone number

  • Information about your medical bills, records, or reports from your doctor, radiologist, and other additional records

  • About any independent medical examinations (IME)

  • Details about accident scene photographs and witness statements

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Insurance adjusters investigate auto accidents and personal injury claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay for your injuries and damages. Once you receive a call from the insurance company’s claims adjuster requesting a recorded statement, consulting with a knowledgeable attorney is crucial for proper guidance.

Our attorneys at Downs, McDonough, Cowan, & Foley can represent you in your personal injury or auto accident lawsuit. We will review your case, gather all required evidence, and handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company. With our team on your side, you can increase your chances of getting the best possible outcome in your personal injury case.

Work With Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Durango, Colorado

If you receive a call from the insurance company requesting a recorded statement, call Downs, McDonough, Cowan, & Foley to schedule a one-on-one case assessment. Our attorneys will review your case, research your options, and prepare you for the interview with the claims adjusters. We will fight compassionately to protect your rights and recover your rightful compensation. We proudly serve wrongfully injured clients throughout Durango, Cortez, Pagosa Springs, Telluride, and The Four Corners.