Do I Have to Give a Recorded Statement?

There are many questions that the victim of a car accident may wish to ask. Without proper knowledge, a claim for compensation can be denied because the victim was not aware of the laws or how to react in the given circumstance. One area of confusion that many car accident victims face is whether or not they must give a recorded statement. At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, our Columbia injury lawyers can help you find the answer to this question and many others. Without legal knowledge, you may end up in a situation that is unfavorable to obtaining financial compensation.

South Carolina Auto Accident Laws

After a car accident, it is not unusual for the adjuster to try to pressure the victim into providing a recorded statement. If you were involved in an accident, they may tell you that you have to provide them with a statement in order for them to process their claim. This is not the law in South Carolina, however. The primary reason that the insurance companies want you to give a recorded statement is so that they can use it later to either deny your claim altogether or to help them reduce the amount that they must pay in settlement. Providing a recorded statement without the advisement of a legal representative from our firm can rarely result in a favorable ending.

Pressure to Give a Recorded Statement

Typically, they will request a recorded statement immediately or very soon after an accident and sometimes when people are still shaken up. Often times forgotten details, or the fact that the extent of the injuries or damages are not yet known, will make it impossible for you to provide a full and complete account of what happened. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to supplement or amend your statement this may be used against you to challenge your credibility, honesty and character. You are not required to provide a recorded statement, or a written statement, to an insurance company as part of the claims submission process. If you are being pressured into providing such a statement you would be advised to seek the advice of a Columbia personal injury attorney regarding your situation.