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When it comes to motor vehicle accidents, Minnesota is a “no-fault” state. In other words, your insurance company is responsible for up to $20,000 of your medical and other accident-related expenses, regardless of who is “at-fault” or responsible for causing the accident.
Sounds easy, right?
But during the course of processing your claim, it’s common for your insurance company’s adjuster to request a recorded statement from you to complete their “investigation.”
Defining a Recorded Statement
A recorded statement is typically held over the phone. You’ll answer the adjuster’s questions while being recorded. Because insurers aim to limit payouts, your recorded statement may be used to weaken or deny your claim. This is why preparation is so important.
A recorded statement is not a time to:
- Air grievances against another driver, their insurance company, the police, or your insurance company.
- Provide information beyond the scope of the adjuster’s specific questions. In other words, don’t tell them more than what they’re asking.
Whether dealing with a standard no-fault insurance statement or a commercial vehicle accident recorded statement, remember: Speak slowly, speak clearly, and be concise. Less is more.
Navigating Recorded Statements
As a general rule, you should never give a recorded statement, or any statement, concerning a motor vehicle accident to anyone without the advice of an attorney. To assist you in understanding the recorded statement and the risks associated with it, here are some important tips for providing a recorded statement to your own insurance company.
The adjuster is not your friend
Even the adjuster from your own insurance company is not on your side, regardless of how friendly they may seem during the recorded statement.
Recorded statements typically gather evidence that might limit your claim. Common tactics employed by insurance adjusters include asking misleading questions or attempting to trick you into responses that can hurt your case.
It is perfectly fine to answer “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” These answers are much better than “I guess so.” For the same reasons, make sure you understand every question before you answer it. Ask the adjuster to repeat or rephrase the question until it is clear.
Prepare
The information you share in a recorded statement will be compared to other statements you’ve made, or may make in the future, including statements to police officers and medical providers, or during depositions in separate lawsuits arising from the accident.
To avoid inconsistencies:
- Review the facts of your case
- Reference any prior statements you've made
- Look at accident scene photos
- Know your treatment history
- Understand the timeline of events
For all types of vehicle accidents, including commercial vehicle cases, document all aspects of the incident comprehensively.
Why Legal Guidance Is Essential
Motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving commercial vehicles, involve a lot of unfamiliar procedures and potential pitfalls. The recorded statement phase is one of the most critical points in your personal injury claim process.
Contact an attorney
If you've been involved in any motor vehicle accident, especially a commercial vehicle accident, don't face the recorded statement process alone. Please call our office at Contact us today at 651-493-0426 for a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys regarding your recorded statement and personal injury claim.
