Insurance Companies May Ask for a Statement
When you’ve suffered an accident-related injury in Florida, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. It is common to be unsure who to talk to or what to share. For example, if an insurance company has requested a statement regarding the incident it may initially seem harmless but providing a statement without proper legal guidance could harm your chances of securing the recovery amount you need to move past the event.
Even if you have been contacted by an insurance representative and told you need to make a statement right away, consult a Delray Beach personal injury attorney before doing so. A lawyer will advise you on next steps, including informing you of how your words could be used against you if you enter into a discussion with an insurance adjuster without careful preparation. Proceed carefully as a statement could jeopardize your claim for compensation.
Potential Pitfalls of Providing a Statement
Insurance adjusters are skilled professionals who work on insurance claims every day, so they know how to manipulate statements to their advantage should they choose to do so. This could include twisting your words, extracting inconsistencies, or focusing on minor details to cast doubt on how credible you are or if you are entitled to any financial recovery at all. This type of manipulation could be done to protect an insurance company’s bottom line rather than connect you with a fair compensation amount.
There are even examples of innocent statements made in the aftermath of Florida accidents being used against injured parties later. For example, if someone says they are sorry and they don’t believe they are injured, those statements could be used to later assert that someone apologized because they know they were at fault, or they said they were fine initially so their injuries must not be severe.
Protecting Your Rights with Legal Guidance
Before having a discussion with an insurance company, understand that for insurance adjusters a main objective is to protect company interests, and often this means minimizing financial liability for the organization. Without proper legal representation, you may unknowingly say something that could weaken your case, which could result in a denial of your claim or a reduced settlement offer.
When you share an insurance adjuster’s request you give a statement with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney, they can strategize next steps. So if you do give a statement, your lawyer will assess your accident injury and guide you through the process of sharing facts while avoiding common pitfalls, such as admitting fault. Additionally, your lawyer will inform you of your rights, assess the true value of your claim, and create a plan to connect you with a maximum compensation amount for your injuries.
Were you contacted by an insurance company and asked to give a statement? An experienced injury attorney can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your words are not used against you. With over 30 years of experience, the lawyers at Earnhart Law can advocate for you throughout the damage recovery process. Call 561-265-2220 or contact us online for a fee-free consultation.
