Given that liability insurance and no-fault coverage are mandatory in Michigan, many people have a false sense of confidence about their financial protection after a crash. They expect to use their own policies and the coverage of the driver who caused the collision to pay for their various expenses.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often act to minimize what they pay after car crashes. They may ask people to provide recorded statements about the collision and their expenses. People preparing to make recorded statements may need the assistance of a lawyer to protect themselves from mistakes and ensure that they receive an appropriate amount of compensation given the circumstances.
The wrong wording when making a recorded statement could negatively affect the compensation that people receive later.
Innocent words can hurt a claim
Many people with Midwest politeness apologize for inconveniencing others. An apology may feel like the polite thing to do, but it can lead to assertions that the claimant was at least partially responsible.
While state law does prevent people from interpreting apologies from medical professionals as admissions of fault, no similar rules apply during recorded insurance statements. Insurance professionals may ask leading questions in an attempt to make a person appear at least partially responsible for the incident.
What seems like a polite conversation could hide traps
Insurance professionals have extensive training on negotiation tactics and how to protect the company’s bottom line. Their goal is to find reasons to deny a claim or limit what they pay. They may ask similar questions repeatedly to get people to contradict themselves.
Sometimes, insurance professionals try to get people to admit to making mistakes while driving. Other times, they try to find ways to undermine the seriousness of their injuries by guiding the conversation in unusual ways. They may ask about vacation plans or personal hobbies. People making statements without support can easily fall victim to these manipulative tactics and well-laid traps.
An attorney may need to handle the talking
Personal injury lawyers are familiar with insurance tactics and the rights of their clients. They may recognize loaded questions and attempts to guide the conversation into unfavorable territory. In some situations, the best option for the person seeking compensation is to let their lawyers speak for them.
The attorney should already have most of the information about the collision. Attorneys can make accurate statements that are less likely to include inappropriate details or language that exposes their clients. They are less likely to volunteer information that could undermine the claim.
Instead of trying to handle a recorded statement alone, people may benefit from getting support throughout that process. Reviewing insurance policies, discussing crash circumstances and preparing in advance to make a recorded statement can help people optimize their recovery after a major car wreck.
