Cowen Edwards, PLLC helps people in Fort Lauderdale when they’re injured during a cruise. An accident while aboard or even during a cruise raises so many questions that it can be difficult to know where to start. But once the cruise line’s insurance company gets involved, you may find yourself under pressure to give statements–and other things you might be unsure about. We can help walk you through your options. Set up a free consultation with us today.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Cruise Line After an Accident?
At some point after you’ve been injured on a cruise, people from the company are going to start calling you and asking for a recorded statement. While this might seem like part of the routine, you aren’t legally required to give them one. They’ll say they’re just “gathering facts,” but in practice, they’re also trying to build a case against your claim. Here’s how they do that with a recorded statement:
- Looking for ways to twist your words – Even innocent comments can be taken out of context and used to blame you or minimize your injuries.
- Trying to downplay your damages – If they can get you to say you’re “fine” or “feeling better,” they may offer far less than your actual costs.
- Creating inconsistencies – Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can trip you up or make your story sound unreliable–especially if you’re under stress.
It’s incredibly uncomfortable to be in a situation where you feel like your injuries or other trauma is being downplayed. But unfortunately, that’s what the cruise ship company (and their insurance companies) are trying to do when they ask for a recorded statement. Your best bet is to simply decline, since you’re not required to. With that said, though, there’s going to have to be some form of evidence gathering when you move forward.
How Does Evidence Gathering Work After a Cruise Ship Accident?
Recorded statements are just one way that a cruise line is going to try to get information after you report an accident. They have investigators that will interview others involved, look at surveillance footage and any other video footage, and gather accident reports and records of what happened.
But while they’re focused on protecting the cruise line, you also need to start protecting yourself. That starts with taking the following steps right after the accident itself:
- Report the accident – If you’re hurt, report it to a crew member or supervisor as soon as possible. This helps create a record of the accident or whatever else happened. If you’re still in port–especially in Fort Lauderdale–emergency responders can also be called. Getting your injury documented early makes it harder for the cruise line to question whether it happened.
- Write down who was there – Try to get names and roles of crew members who helped you or witnessed the incident. If other passengers saw what happened, get their contact info too. These details could be important if your statement later gets challenged or twisted.
- Take photos if you can – Before anything is cleaned up or moved, snap pictures of the scene–spilled liquid, broken stairs, lack of warning signs, anything that shows how the accident happened. Also photograph your injuries, bruising, or anything else that supports your claim.
- Be cautious with your words – Whether you’re talking to ship staff, medical workers, or the cruise line’s insurance reps, be mindful of what you say. Don’t make guesses or downplay what happened. Most importantly, avoid saying anything that sounds like you’re at fault—even something as simple as “I should have been more careful.” These statements can resurface later, especially if you give a recorded statement.
Every detail you gather helps protect your side of the story. And the more prepared you are, the more confident you can be when the cruise line comes asking for a statement. Our team can make sure your claim is strong and you’re supported throughout the process.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Cruise Ship Accident?
You’re not required to have a lawyer—but you’re up against a billion-dollar industry with experience on their side. Going it alone can make it harder to get the kind of settlement you truly need to recover. At Cowen Edwards, we step in to:
- Investigate the accident fully – We gather records, witness statements, and any relevant maritime or port authority reports to understand what went wrong.
- Account for all your losses – That includes your physical injuries, medical expenses, emotional trauma, missed work, and more.
- Handle talks with the cruise line company – We handle all communications so you’re not pressured or misled.
- Take legal action if needed – If the cruise line won’t resolve things fairly, we’re ready to move forward in court to hold them accountable.
If your cruise vacation left you injured in an accident, you don’t have to handle the aftermath on your own. Our team of cruise ship accident lawyers understands how to handle cruise line claims and maritime law–and we’ll be there with you every step of the way. Reach out for a free consultation to talk through what happened and learn what your next steps could be.
