If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident in Georgia, the property owner’s or business’s insurance company might contact you and ask you to “go on record” to give a recorded statement. You should be very careful in how you respond.
Insurance adjusters are well trained in getting certain information from slip and fall accident victims. They might seem to truly care about how you’re doing or sympathize with your situation, but don’t be fooled. Their main priority is reducing how much they might have to pay you.
While you might wonder if going on record with the insurance company has benefits, there’s no good reason for it. In fact, it has a lot of potential to harm your case.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?
It’s your right to give a statement, but there is no legal requirement for you to do so. Since your slip and fall claim is against this insurance company, meaning you’re not dealing with your own insurance company, you do not have to give a recorded statement.
If the insurance adjuster makes you feel like you do need to go on record, they are just trying to pressure you for their own benefit. It’s almost always in your best interest to not go on record for the insurance company about your slip and fall accident.
Get the strong arm
Why does the Insurance Company Want a Statement on Record?
The insurance adjuster on the other side of the phone might express interest in hearing your side of the story. While this is technically true, it’s not for good intentions. A recorded statement gives the insurer information that could be used against you later.
The insurance adjuster might talk to you like a friend. They might ask questions (like “Are you doing okay?”) or make statements (like “It’s a good thing your injuries weren’t as bad as you thought they were!”) to get you to let your guard down.
The insurance company wants you to feel like you can trust them so you’ll agree to be recorded. They want a recorded statement from you because they know they can try to manipulate you into saying something that helps their side of the case.
What Can Happen if I Go on Record for the Insurance Company?
Even if you respond that you’re feeling “okay” to be polite, the insurance company could use that statement later to claim that your injuries weren’t as bad as you’re saying. By that point, you might have completely forgotten about what you said—but it’s officially on record for the case.
Allowing the insurance company to record your conversation can ultimately decrease how much compensation you are entitled to receive. If they record evidence that could be used against you, it might harm your claim. If you end up going to court, the other side’s lawyer could even use what you said on record when cross-examining you.
It’s just never a good idea to agree to go on record—especially if you don’t yet have a Georgia slip and fall accident lawyer. You should always speak to an experienced lawyer before talking to the insurance adjuster at all.
Is There Anything I Can Say to the Insurance Company?
If you do say anything to the insurance adjuster, you’ll want to stick to the facts. Avoid any form of agreeing, complaining, heated discussions, or talking about your personal life. This is still risky, however, as the adjuster might continue pushing you for information.
Ideally, you should not say a thing except that they can contact your lawyer with any questions. Give them the name and number of your attorney, and hang up the phone. You have no obligation to speak with them about the slip and fall accident or give any type of “on record” statement.
Contact us to learn more about what to say after a:
- Longhorn Steakhouse slip and fall injury
- Neiman Marcus slip and fall injury
- Carrabba’s slip and fall injury
- Jimmy John’s slip and fall injury
- Applebee’s slip and fall injury
We can also help you with slip and fall accidents at other businesses.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today
After a slip and fall accident in Georgia, it’s imperative that you legally protect yourself. The property owner’s or business’s insurance company will be looking for ways to deny or reduce the value of your settlement from the beginning. Don’t try to handle your case alone; contact legal experts who can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping slip and fall accident victims win the compensation they need for over 20 years—risk-free. We do not take a fee unless we win you money, so you can begin working with us minus any upfront payments.
Don’t wait to get help with your case today. Georgia Code § 9-3-33 states that you only have two years from the date of your accident to file. To get started with your FREE consultation, contact us online now.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
