It depends who is asking you for the recorded statement. You owe nothing to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. You can politely decline or not reply. Let them know your attorney will communicate with them. If, on the other hand, your insurance company is asking for a recorded statement, then you are likely contractually obligated to provide one.
Even if your insurer wants a statement, you may want to ask them if you can wait to make one until your attorney can be present for the statement. As your accident attorneys, we can advise you on what to say in these statements so that you are fulfilling your end of the contract with your insurer, but not saying anything unnecessary.
When it comes to insurance companies, they have bottom lines and priorities. The at-fault driver’s insurer may want to get you on tape saying that you played a role in the accident, that you’re sorry, or that you’re fine or unhurt. Your own insurance company probably won’t try to get you to admit to causing the crash, but they may ultimately want to keep the final settlement as low as possible. In the statement interview, they may ask about your symptoms and the circumstances of the accident.
When providing a recorded statement:
- Don’t say “I’m sorry” or something similar. Although apologizing can sometimes feel second-nature, it could ultimately be used against you as an admission of fault.
- Stick to answering the questions. You’re not required to speak at length and expand upon what you said. You should answer the questions honestly and succinctly.
- Let them know if you don’t know the answer to a question. Instead of hypothesizing or guessing, simply say you do not know if you in fact don’t know the answer to a question.
Once we learn more about you and your case, we will be able to provide specific direction regarding recorded statements.
To speak to our experienced Oklahoma City accident lawyers about your car accident and resulting injuries, please call Johnson & Biscone law firm at 405-232-6490.
