Welcome







American Bar Association Member


United States District Court | Eastern District of Washington


Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce




Ask an Attorney a Question for FREE!

Passenger Statement in Auto accident

by Paula
(Raleigh NC)

Recently I was involved in a head-on collision. I was a passenger in the back seat. My driver, the front seat passenger, and I were taken to the hospital for injuries. The police report found the other driver caused the accident and fled the scene. I have been treated for my injuries and am resting at home.

A friend of mine told me that I will have to make statement (or rather, the Insurance adjuster will try get a statement out of me). They say this is not good, because it can be used against me or the other involved in the accident. The other passenger and driver have been to a lawyer. I am not totally against or for that. I have not spoken to either a lawyer or given a statement to anyone.

What kind of statement should (if I need to) make. I was not at fault. My injuries are minor, and I don't plan on missing anymore work (I kinda like my job). My friend is suggesting that I go to a lawyer. I just want to heal and return to my life.


Answer:


Hello Paula,

Please see our section on recorded statements here:

As stated there, you are not obligated to give a “recorded” statement. You could give an statement, but does not need to be recorded.

You can give a verbal statement, and that is sufficient.


Good Luck,

As always, it is very important that you talk with a local attorney!
Good Luck,
Auto Insurance Claim Advice

Comments for Passenger Statement in Auto accident

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 28, 2012
 Paralegal
by: Anonymous

This is pretty normal part of any insurance investigation in a car accident case. If it's clear the accident was not your fault you don't need to worry a bout anything. They just ask you questions about what happend right before during and after the accident. Maybe about your injuries. If your not involved in any type of case however you could just talk to your friends attorney and give them a written statement which they can use as a witness statement to help with their case. FYI if you were in this vehicle it's really for your best interest to get an attorney treat for a few months with a chiropractor and you will get some money out of it. The lawyers do all the work for you and if it's clear it was the other drivers fault then it should be a fast process. Again statements are very normal but if your not planning on opening a claim as well then you don't need to do it.
Mar 20, 2011
 Passenger Statement
by: Sirrics

First before you give a statement to anyone please understand that you may be a litigant against your friend that was driving the vehicle. If you were injured in the accident and sought medical care for the injuries you have the right to file a claim with both insurance companies. This is very normal to have happen when a passenger is injured in a vehicle. My advise is, if you were hurt and you planned on seeking damages for more than your medical expenses then I would seek the advice of an attorney that handles accident claims before your give a statement to anyone. Don't even discuss the accident with your friends especially if you have a discussion that has witnesses' around. You may regret anything you say to them. You don't have to ignore them. If they bring up the accident in conversation just tell them that you don't want to discuss the accident until you have spoken with an attorney. A good accident and injury attorney will not charge you for a preliminary consultation. Good Luck!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Got Questions?.


Please see more answers to recent personal injury and auto accident questions below:



For a Free Review of Your Case
 Please Call (866) 878-2432