Ohio
My adjuster wants a recorded statement from me to handle a property damage and injury claim. I'll say what happened, she'll ask some questions, etc. I don't have the evidence to show that I am not at fault, but comparative negligence seems possible.
If I do give a recorded statement, can that be used against me later if I get sued? I've seen posts that imply an adjuster's knowledge can be used as evidence as well. If my statement is not admissible, can my adjuster be subpoenaed to testify against me? She has told me it's confidential. The other driver and I are both with State Farm, and the decision of fault she said is not admissible. I'm guessing that what I say though is admissible.
The other driver has a lawyer, and I don't consider myself to be very eloquent. Although I don't have anything to hide, I don't want to disadvantage myself because I don't have a lawyer.
What should I do?
When I spoke to my adjuster, she seemed to say that even if I get sued and am found not to be at fault, I might still have to discuss any surcharges resulting from the accident. It seems like one accident is split up into so many different cases. There's criminal and civil. Then with civil, there's property damage and injury liability. Then this civil portion will occur within the insurance company and/or within court if I get sued. My rates will go up, and/or I have to pay the other party. What's the deal?!
Thanks ahead for your help.
My adjuster wants a recorded statement from me to handle a property damage and injury claim. I'll say what happened, she'll ask some questions, etc. I don't have the evidence to show that I am not at fault, but comparative negligence seems possible.
If I do give a recorded statement, can that be used against me later if I get sued? I've seen posts that imply an adjuster's knowledge can be used as evidence as well. If my statement is not admissible, can my adjuster be subpoenaed to testify against me? She has told me it's confidential. The other driver and I are both with State Farm, and the decision of fault she said is not admissible. I'm guessing that what I say though is admissible.
The other driver has a lawyer, and I don't consider myself to be very eloquent. Although I don't have anything to hide, I don't want to disadvantage myself because I don't have a lawyer.
What should I do?
When I spoke to my adjuster, she seemed to say that even if I get sued and am found not to be at fault, I might still have to discuss any surcharges resulting from the accident. It seems like one accident is split up into so many different cases. There's criminal and civil. Then with civil, there's property damage and injury liability. Then this civil portion will occur within the insurance company and/or within court if I get sued. My rates will go up, and/or I have to pay the other party. What's the deal?!
Thanks ahead for your help.