Do I Need to Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company after a Tampa Auto Accident?

You’re in a Tampa car accident. What's on your mind is getting your car fixed or replaced and getting treatment for any injuries that the auto accident caused. When you contact the insurance company, they'll often ask if it's ok to record the conversation. There are a number of reasons you might say yes.

You might think that you are required to give a recorded statement when the insurance company asks. You may believe that your cooperation with the insurance adjuster might result in your getting better results....perhaps they'll move your claim along more quickly or give you a higher value for your car. Often, after a Tampa car accident, you just aren't in the mood to say no.

But the right answer to the question do you want to give a recorded statement to an insurance company after an accident is always "No." Of course, you should understand that your own insurance company does have the right to get a recorded statement from you, but that doesn't mean you have to give them that statement immediately. You have to give them a recorded statement after a Tampa car accident because your insurance policy says that you will "cooperate" with them after an accident and you certainly don't want t be denied coverage.

But a recorded statement can be used against you later on. And while you're upset about the car accident and focused on your health or getting your car repaired, it's very easy to make statements that aren't accurate or not understand a question that you're asked. Such mistakes can cause serious problems later on. That's why it's always better to have a Tampa car accident law firm attorney on the phone with you during these calls. That way the trained accident attorney can make sure that you understand the question and that you provide an accurate statement of what occurred and any legal liability or health related issues.

So if you're insurance company asks you to give a recorded statement, just tell them you'd like to do it at another time, but you'll be glad to answer any questions without the recording device on. Then contact a Tampa accident attorney and they can make the arrangements for the recorded statement at your convenience.

If the at fault driver's insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, there will never be an appropriate time to give them a recorded statement. They are required by law to protect their insured from a lawsuit and deal with you fairly regardless of whether you give them a recorded statement. And by not giving a recorded statement after a Tampa auto accident, you increase the likelihood that your case will settle without the need for litigation, where the at-fault party will be entitled to your deposition where a recorded statement is certainly allowed.

So if you're in a Tampa car accident, you now know that it's always best not to give a recorded statement. If you have other questions following an accident, please feel free to call our law firm at 813-877-3253. We are an experienced Tampa accident injury law firm that can be helpful in answering your questions.

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