No, you are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement in a personal injury claim. Doing so could actually harm your case. Insurance companies may try to use your recorded statement to reduce your claim by using the following tactics:
- Using pointed questions to invalidate your case
- Attempting to downplay your injuries
- Examining your personal history and using this information to suggest that you may have been at fault
Any recorded statement you make can be used against you in a personal injury case. Always approach the at-fault party’s insurer with caution. It’s easy to assume that they are on your side. But they are really trying to get you to settle for the lowest possible payout or nothing at all.
What Should I Do if I Have Already Agreed to Give a Statement?
You may have already agreed to give a statement. There are a few best practices you can keep in mind that will prevent this statement from damaging your case:
- Be as brief as possible
- Don’t answer any unclear questions
- Don’t admit fault or apologize
- Contact an attorney before giving any statements
A personal injury attorney can handle all communication with the insurance companies so you do not risk saying something that may harm your case for compensation.
What About My Own Insurance Company?
Your own insurance company may request you provide a recorded statement. In most cases, the adjuster wants to hear what happened in your own words. But you have no legal obligation to provide a statement to your own insurance company. Referring the adjuster to your attorney protects you from making any damaging statements.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Personal Injury FAQs
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A lawyer specializing in personal injury could help you with your case. They can advise you on what you should or shouldn’t say to an insurance adjuster. An attorney can also provide other services, such as:
- They can help you draft a written statement in lieu of a recorded statement.
- They can protect you against unfair insurance practices.
- They can fight so that you get the highest settlement possible.
- They can act as your representative and communicate with any party involved in the case.
- They can file a lawsuit if needed.
A lawyer who handles all types of personal injury cases is familiar with the unfair tactics some insurance companies use to reduce payouts. They can use this expertise to handle any negotiations regarding your case.
The Cost of Hiring a Lawyer
The aftermath of personal injury accidents can be expensive. Car crashes, dog bites, and medical malpractice injuries often come with a mountain of expenses. You may be juggling medical bills and unable to work.
Personal injury lawyers recognize their clients may be in a dire financial position, but want to offer their services to those in need.
To accommodate their clients, personal injury lawyers typically adhere to two good-faith pricing policies:
- Free case evaluations: A case evaluation is designed to get to know the law firm that might work with you on your case. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your case, have your questions answered, and figure out how to best work together going forward. Typically, personal injury law firms do not charge for this initial consultation.
- Contingency fee pricing: Instead of requiring upfront payment, personal injury lawyers usually work on contingency. This means their payment will be an agreed-upon percentage of your final settlement. This way, they won’t get paid unless you win your case.
Will I Receive a Large Settlement?
No two personal injury cases are the same. The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on the rest of your life. Your case may involve:
Possible Damages You Could Receive
The context of your case will greatly impact its potential valuation. In most cases, the severity of your accident-related damages will determine the value of your settlement.
You could be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Loss of consortium, a legal term that refers to the loss of a loved one’s companionship, care, or affection
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Medical expenses associated with your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity
This is not an exhaustive list of damages you could receive. If you lost a loved one due to negligence, you could be eligible to receive additional damages, such as your spouse’s lost income and funeral and burial costs. These details can be further discussed during your free case consultation.
If you received a settlement offer, it’s a good idea to run it by your attorney first before accepting it. Once you accept a settlement offer, you can no longer pursue further compensation if you require long-term medical treatment or assistance due to your accident-related injury.
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Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today
Our team of personal injury lawyers has served Georgia clients since 2008. We are passionate about advocating for our injured clients’ rights.
If you are questioning whether you’re required to provide a recorded statement in an injury claim, call our team today for your free evaluation. We handle all types of personal injury cases and can get to work on yours right away.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
