A day on the slopes at Killington Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, or Sugarbush Resort can change instantly after a serious ski accident. While you’re still dealing with pain, medical appointments, and uncertainty, you may receive a call from an insurance adjuster asking for a “quick recorded statement.”
It may sound routine. It isn’t.
At Brown Law Firm, we’ve seen how recorded statements are used to reduce or deny ski accident claims in Vermont. Before agreeing to provide one, it’s important to understand what insurance adjusters are really listening for.
Why Insurance Companies Want a Recorded Statement
Insurance carriers often request a recorded statement within days of the accident, sometimes before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Their stated goal is to “clarify the facts.”
Their actual goal is often to:
- Lock you into a version of events early
- Identify statements that suggest fault
- Minimize the seriousness of your injuries
- Support defenses like assumption of risk
Once something is recorded, it can be used against you later, even if you were confused, medicated, or simply mistaken about details.
What Adjusters Hope You’ll Say
- “I’m Feeling Okay.”
Immediately after a ski collision or lift malfunction, adrenaline can mask pain. If you tell an adjuster you’re “fine” or “not that hurt,” they may later argue your injuries aren’t serious even if symptoms worsen days later.
- “I Didn’t See Them Coming.”
In Vermont ski accident cases, insurers frequently argue that both skiers share responsibility. If you admit you didn’t see the other skier, they may claim you failed to maintain proper lookout or control.
- “It Was Probably My Fault.”
Many people instinctively apologize after accidents. Even casual statements like “I should’ve slowed down” can be framed as admissions of negligence.
- “I’ve Had Problems With That Knee Before.”
As discussed in many Vermont personal injury claims, pre-existing conditions are a favorite defense strategy. If you mention prior injuries context, insurers may argue your current condition isn’t related to the ski accident at all.
The Assumption of Risk Defense in Vermont
Ski resorts and insurers often rely on Vermont’s inherent risk doctrine. They argue that skiing naturally involves dangers such as collisions, changing terrain, and snow conditions.
But assumption of risk does not protect against negligence. If another skier was reckless, a trail was improperly marked, or snowmaking equipment was unpadded and placed in a hazardous area, liability may still exist.
A recorded statement can give insurers language they use to strengthen these defenses even when negligence occurred.
Timing Matters
Insurance adjusters prefer to obtain statements quickly for a reason:
- You may not have reviewed the ski patrol report.
- You may not have seen surveillance footage.
- You may not yet understand your medical diagnosis.
- You may be under stress or medication.
Early inconsistencies, even minor ones, can later be portrayed as credibility issues.
Do You Have to Give a Recorded Statement?
In many ski accident cases, you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. However, the specifics depend on whether you are dealing with your own insurer or a third-party claim. Before agreeing to any recorded interview, it’s wise to speak with an experienced Vermont ski accident attorney.
How Brown Law Firm Protects Ski Accident Victims
At Brown Law Firm, we:
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Prepare clients before any necessary statements
- Ensure questions stay within appropriate boundaries
- Prevent misleading or unfair questioning
- Build claims supported by medical and factual evidence
Our goal is simple: protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Protect Yourself After a Vermont Ski Accident
If you’ve been injured while skiing in Vermont and receive a call requesting a recorded statement, pause before you respond. What you say in the first 15 minutes can significantly impact the value of your claim. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals. You deserve an advocate on your side.
Brown Law Firm represents ski accident victims throughout Vermont. If an insurance company is pressuring you for a recorded statement, contact our office to discuss your options and protect your claim from the start.
