Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company

Why adjusters request statements

Insurance adjusters request recorded statements to gather information they use to minimize settlement value. Anything you say becomes documented evidence. Mistakes, unclear explanations, or slight inaccuracies in a recorded statement can undermine your claim. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions and spot inconsistencies they can use against you later.

Your right to decline

You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company. You can simply say you prefer to communicate in writing or through your lawyer. If the other driver's insurance company insists, you've already declined politely. Your own insurance company typically requires a statement under your policy, but even then you can request time to consult a lawyer first.

Protect yourself

If you must give a statement, keep it brief and factual. Stick to what you personally experienced, not assumptions. Say "I don't know" rather than guess. Don't discuss injuries in detail, especially predictions about future recovery. Better yet, hire a lawyer first and let them handle all communication with insurance companies. This single step protects you significantly.