Santa Clarita car accident attorney Robert Mansour on whether or not giving a recorded statement makes sense

Before I handled personal injury cases on behalf of injured parties, I used to work as a defense lawyer for a major auto insurance company.  Unfortunately, in most cases it is not a good idea to give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster for the opposing insurance company.  

First of all, they try to get your statement so early in the case, usually before you are fully aware of the nature and extent of your injuries.  Second, they are usually trying to box you into a story so you can't "change" your story later on.  In other words, if your circumstances change, they can use the words from your statement (given a day or two after an accident) against you. 

Finally, some adjusters will use their time with you to curry favor.  You will start to trust them when they promise to pay your medical bills.  You will believe them when they advise you against hiring a lawyer or even discussing your case with an attorney.  Remember, the insurance adjuster for the other party doesn't work for you.  You don't pay his/her salary.  They don't owe you any allegiance or ounce of good faith.  That is not to say there aren't reputable insurance adjusters out there who do genuinely care for others, but I'd say they are few and far between.  Again, I've worked both sides of the fence and I can confidently state that giving a statement to the other party, especially so early in the game, is almost always NOT in your best interest.

If you wish to discuss your injury case, please call my office at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation.