What Is a Recorded Statement and Should You Give It to Your Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Florida?

In personal injury law, a recorded statement is a video or audio interview, often taken by an insurance adjuster, detailing a car accident. The interviewer may ask about the moments leading up to the crash, what you saw, and what you did.

The moments after a car accident can be painful and disorienting. They may approach you onsite, or even days or weeks later, and asked to give a recorded statement about the accident. Before agreeing to a recorded statement, please contact a car accident lawyer in Florida.

If you were involved in a Florida car accident, the team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is here for you. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of Florida car accident victims. Call our team today at (855) 529-0269.

3 Reasons You Should Not Give a Statement to The Insurance Company

You may be wondering—if you have done nothing wrong, what harm is there in giving a recorded statement? Here is why we do not recommend providing a recorded statement until you have sought legal help.

You Are Not Required to Give a Statement to The Insurance Company

The insurance company may try to say a recorded statement is required for your accident claim to be processed. However, there is currently no Florida law requiring you to give a recorded statement to an insurance company.

The insurance company—even your own insurance company—is not looking out for your rights. It is in their best interests to pay less and will use every angle they can find to pay you less than you deserve.

Your Statement May Be Used Against You

After an accident, you may be flustered, in pain, or even in shock. You may make statements that contradict the police report, or you may mention theories (“I thought they pulled out first, but maybe not…”). Insurance adjusters are skilled interviewers and may try to trip you up. Any statement you make can then be held against to reduce your claim.

There is No Reason to Establish Fault for Minor Accidents

Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means for minor car accidents, your insurance pays your damage, and the other driver’s insurance pays for their damages. In most car accidents, there is no reason to establish fault, and therefore no reason to give a recorded statement.

If you are involved in a car accident, you should speak to an attorney who has your best interests in mind. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269 for a free case evaluation.

What to Do After a Florida Car Accident

Even a minor car accident can be a frightening and disorienting experience. Here are the steps you should take to ensure the safety of all parties and protect your legal rights.

1. Ensure everyone’s safety. Move cars from the roadway and stay several feet away from moving traffic.
2. Call 911 for emergency medical care if anyone is injured or seems unusually disoriented or dazed. Head and spine injuries do not always present obvious signs.
3. Take photos of the crash site, including skid marks if you can safely do so. Use a smartphone to take down notes of what you remember of the accident.
4. Only speak to law enforcement personnel, avoid discussing the accident with other victims or representatives from an insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement at this time.
5. After you have sought medical care, consider contacting a car accident lawyer to understand your legal rights.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers

If you sustained injuries in a Florida car accident, do not sign or give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking to a lawyer. The insurance company is looking out for their bottom line—not your rights.

At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we offer hands-on, personalized legal care. You will work directly with Jason and Debi Chalik, not firm associates. Direct, individualized legal counseling helps us better understand your case and fight harder to protect your legal rights.

Contact our firm to get information about your case and find out your legal options. We offer all Florida car accident victims a free case evaluation. Call (855) 529-0269 today.