Recorded Statements: Insurance Myth-busting

After a car accident, many people are surprised by how quickly the phone rings. Often it’s the insurance company asking for a recorded statement. It can sound routine and harmless, but what you say in that moment can have a big impact on your claim. Recently, David

Greene joined Studio 10 to clear up some common misunderstandings.

Let’s start with the big question. Do people actually have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?

That’s one of the biggest myths out there. In most situations, you are not required to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. But when the adjuster calls, they usually sound friendly and make it seem like it’s just part of the process. People naturally want to cooperate, so they agree.

Why can that be a problem?

Because the timing is terrible. You’ve just been in a wreck. You might be shaken up or in pain, and you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries. Adjusters are trained to ask very specific questions that can lock you into answers. If you guess about speed, distance, or how you feel, that guess can later be used to challenge your claim.

What are some examples of things people say that come back to hurt them?

A big one is when someone says, “I’m fine,” because they want to be polite or they haven’t felt pain yet. But many injuries show up hours or even days later. Another is when someone says, “I never saw them,” or, “Maybe I could have stopped sooner.” Statements like that can be twisted

into sounding like an admission of fault.

So what should someone do instead if they get that call?

Slow down and don’t feel pressured. You can politely decline and tell them you want to speak with an attorney first. Once hired, your attorney will handle communication with the insurance company. That way our clients don’t have to worry about saying something that might damage

their case.

This brings people some peace of mind.

It really does. After an accident, you should be focused on getting medical care and taking care of your family, not fielding stressful phone calls. When we step in, the adjusters deal with us,

and we work to make sure our client’s rights are protected.

What’s the main takeaway you want viewers to remember?

Just because the insurance company asks for a recorded statement doesn’t mean you have to give one. A quick conversation could affect your case in ways you don’t realize. Getting advice

first can make a big difference.

If someone has questions after an accident or gets asked for a statement, how can they reach Greene & Phillips?

You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime, no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-300-2000, or fill out a contact form. And as always, if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.