The Trucking Company's Insurance Adjuster Called Me—Should I Give a Recorded Statement?
After a serious truck accident, you may receive a telephone call from an insurance adjuster asking what happened.
The request may sound routine:
“We just need to get your side of the story.”
Before giving a recorded statement to the trucking company's insurer, understand that the insurance company is investigating a claim involving its insured.
Your interests and the insurance company's interests are not necessarily the same.
Why Does the Insurance Company Want a Statement?
An adjuster may legitimately need information to investigate the accident.
But what you say can also become part of the claim file and may later be compared with police reports, medical records, deposition testimony, or other evidence.
A casual answer given shortly after a traumatic collision can therefore take on greater significance later.
What If I Don't Know the Answer?
A serious accident can happen in seconds.
You may not know the truck's speed, what the driver was doing immediately before impact, or precisely how the collision occurred. You may also still be receiving medical evaluation and not know the full extent of your injuries.
You should not guess.
Statements such as “I think I'm okay” or estimates about speed, distance, timing, or visibility can potentially create disputes later if additional evidence establishes something different.
Should I Sign a Medical Authorization?
An insurance company may also ask you to sign documents authorizing access to medical information.
Before signing a broad authorization, understand what information is being requested and why.
Your medical history may contain information having nothing to do with the collision.
What About a Settlement Offer?
Early settlement offers deserve careful consideration.
Before resolving a serious injury claim, important questions may remain unanswered:
- What is the full nature of the injury?
- Will additional treatment be required?
- Will the injury affect the person's ability to work?
- Are there future medical expenses?
- Who was responsible for the collision?
- Are multiple parties potentially responsible?
- What insurance coverage may apply?
Once a claim is finally released, it generally cannot simply be reopened because the injuries later prove more serious than anticipated.
Consider Getting Legal Advice First
You do not have to navigate communications concerning a serious commercial-truck accident without understanding your legal rights.
Before providing a recorded statement, signing a release, or accepting a settlement following a serious truck collision, consider speaking with an attorney about the particular circumstances.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Pittsburgh-area trucking accident, contact Frank Walker Law to discuss your options.
If this article helped you understand the insurance process, please like and share it with your network. One of your friends or loved ones may receive that same insurance call after an accident and benefit from seeing this information first.
About Frank Walker Law
Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law is a National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer, and Personal Injury Attorney who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Best Attorneys in America, Best Law firms of America, America’s Greatest Attorneys, and a Top AVVO Rated attorney, with offices in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Morgantown West Virginia.
Additionally, you can find Attorney Walker on YouTube, TikTok, the Pittsburgh Attorney Podcast and the West Virginia Attorney Podcast, where he gives legal tips (not advice!) and discusses the pressing legal issues of the day.
If you or someone you love are facing criminal charges or are seriously injured in an accident, contact Attorney Frank Walker immediately at 412-532-6805 (Pittsburgh), 304-413-0179 (Morgantown), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense or Representation in a Civil Case.