Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company After a North Carolina Car Accident?

In North Carolina, all ​​​​​​​​​vehicles with a valid North Carolina registration are required by state law (G.S. 20-309) to have continuous liability insurance as well as uinsured motorist coverage (UM). In addition, drivers may opt into and pay for additional underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to cover their damages from accidents involving drivers with insufficient coverage.

Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the type of insurance being pursued, how the injured party proceeds with their claim will change. The insurance representative may ask for a recorded statement whether you are seeking a negligent driver’s insurance coverage or your own UM/UIM policy.

Here, our Charlotte personal injury lawyers at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., discuss how to handle these conversations.

I Am Pursuing a Negligent Driver’s Insurance Coverage for My Damages: Why is the Insurance Company Requesting a Recorded Statement?

One innocent reason the insurance company might give for needing a recorded statement is to clarify the details of the accident and ensure that their records are accurate. They may explain that a recorded statement helps them understand the circumstances of the crash from the victim’s perspective, allowing them to process the claim more efficiently and fairly. By having the information directly from the involved parties, they can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the claim is handled based on an accurate account of the events.

The reality is that insurance company representatives often request a recorded statement from injury victims after a car accident to gather information that could potentially be used to minimize or deny the claim.

By obtaining a recorded statement early in the process, they hope to catch the victim off guard, possibly leading them to make statements that downplay the severity of their injuries or admit partial fault.

The recorded statement can later be used against the victim to challenge their credibility or to argue that their injuries are not as severe as claimed. This tactic is part of the insurance company’s broader strategy to protect their financial interests, so injury victims are advised to consult with an attorney before providing any recorded statements.

I Am Pursuing My UM/UIM Insurance Coverage for My Damages: Do I Have to Give My Policyholder a Recorded Statement?

Most insurance policies include a “duty to cooperate” clause, requiring you to provide information about the accident. You must cooperate with your insurance; if you fail, they can revoke your coverage, meaning you recover zero compensation for your injuries.

However, giving a recorded statement is not always necessary and could be used against you to minimize your claim. Before agreeing to provide a recorded statement, it is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who can review your policy and guide you on how to proceed. Insurance companies may use your recorded words to downplay the severity of your injuries or dispute liability. By seeking legal guidance, you can protect your rights and provide the necessary information without jeopardizing your claim.

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident in North Carolina?

If you were injured in a car accident caused by negligence in North Carolina, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., want to hear your story during a free consultation by calling 704-377-3737 or contacting us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

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