After a car accident, the flood of phone calls, paperwork, and insurance questions can feel overwhelming. One of the first requests you may get is from the other driver’s insurance company asking for a recorded statement. Before you respond, it’s critical to understand your rights. What you say could make or break your ability to recover fair compensation.
In this guide, we’ll explain why insurance adjusters want your statement, the risks of speaking with them, and the best way to protect your car accident claim. Plus, we’ll give you a step-by-step checklist and questions to ask yourself before speaking to any insurance company.
Why the other driver’s insurance company wants your statement
The other driver’s insurance adjuster often reaches out quickly after an accident, asking you to provide a recorded statement. While they may seem professional and courteous, their job is not to help you — it’s to protect their company’s profits.
Their goal is to:
- Gather details that could limit or deny your claim.
- Find inconsistencies in your story.
- Shift blame for the accident onto you.
It’s important to remember: their interests are the opposite of yours.
The risks of giving a recorded statement
Even if you’re careful, providing a recorded statement can hurt your case. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to trip you up.
Common risks include:
- Saying you “feel fine” → later used as evidence that your injuries are not serious.
- Admitting partial fault, even unintentionally.
- Making small mistakes about timing or details → presented as “inconsistencies.”
Step-by-step: What to do if you’re asked for a statement
- Stay calm and don’t feel pressured: You are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Politely decline: Say something simple like, “I’m not comfortable giving a statement at this time. Please contact my attorney.”
- Contact your attorney: Share the request immediately with your lawyer so they can advise you.
- Document the call: Write down who called, the time, and what was asked. This record can be useful later.
- Only speak when advised: If your own policy requires a statement, or if litigation requires it, do so under legal guidance.
Questions to ask yourself before giving any statement
If you ever find yourself preparing to speak with an insurance company (even your own), ask yourself:
- Do I fully remember all the details of the accident?
- Am I still experiencing pain or symptoms that could worsen later?
- Could I be unintentionally downplaying my injuries?
- Am I certain I understand who was at fault?
- Have I spoken with my attorney first?
- Am I comfortable that my words won’t be used against me?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, it’s a clear sign you should not give a statement without legal support.
When you might be required to give a statement
There are rare situations where giving a statement is necessary, such as:
- If your own insurance policy requires cooperation.
- If the case moves into litigation.
Even then, never go into it alone. An experienced car accident attorney will prepare you and ensure your answers don’t jeopardize your claim.
How Knapp Moss can help you
Deciding whether to give a recorded statement is a pivotal choice after a car accident. At Knapp Moss, we help clients stand up to insurance companies and avoid costly mistakes.
Our team will:
- Handle all insurance communications on your behalf.
- Protect your claim from unfair tactics.
- Fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let the other driver’s insurance company pressure you.
Call Knapp Moss today for trusted legal guidance and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you are not legally required to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Not at all. In fact, refusing often protects you from saying something that could be used against you.
You can politely decline and provide them with your attorney’s or your own insurance company’s contact information.
