If you or your loved one were involved in a truck accident which resulted in injuries and/or property and vehicle damages, the information in your statement can have a big impact on the outcome of your claim. What you say or you don’t say may be used against you — by the truck company’s insurer or even your own.

You should immediately report the accident to your insurance company. Your car liability insurance requires you to do so and you may risk being denied your coverage if you don’t. However, keep in mind that the only information you need to report to your insurance company’s representative is the date, time, and location of the accident and the names and addresses of the persons involved. Information regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident, especially why and how it occurred, are best discussed with your attorney first before including it in your report.

It is likely that shortly after the accident, the truck company’s insurance company will contact you to ask for a recorded statement or to discuss the facts of the accident. The only information you should give them is those regarding the damage to your vehicle and its location. You can refuse to give a recorded statement and tell them to talk to your insurance carrier or your lawyer if they want to discuss the facts about the accident. Never admit fault for the accident, even if it appears to you that it’s you who was at fault.