If you have recently been involved in a car accident in Georgia, one of the first calls you may receive is from an insurance company requesting a recorded statement after an accident. While this may seem routine, it is an important step that can affect your injury claim. Knowing how to handle the request can help you avoid mistakes that may harm your case later.
This article explains what a recorded statement is, why insurance companies ask for it, what to expect, and how to protect yourself throughout the process. For more detailed information about how insurance companies operate in Georgia, you can visit the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire.
What Is a Recorded Statement After an Accident
A recorded statement is a verbal account of what happened before, during, and after a car accident. An insurance adjuster asks you a series of questions, records your responses, and keeps the file in your claim record. Both your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance may request this type of statement.
Insurance adjusters often ask for these statements within a few days of the accident, hoping to lock in your version of events before you speak with an attorney or understand the full extent of your injuries.
Why Insurance Companies Want a Recorded Statement
The purpose of a recorded statement after an accident is to gather facts and identify any inconsistencies between your initial report and future claims. Adjusters use this information to investigate liability, evaluate damages, and potentially dispute your injuries later.
If you plan to present a bodily injury claim, this early statement can be used against you months later. For example, if you say you were not hurt in the statement but later begin medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated.
What Questions Are Usually Asked
During a recorded statement after an accident, an adjuster may ask:
- Where were you going before the accident
- What time did the accident happen
- What lane were you in
- How fast were you driving
- What did the other driver do
- Were there any passengers or witnesses
- Were you injured
These questions are asked in a calm, conversational tone, but the goal is to gather details that can reduce the value of your claim later.
Should You Give a Recorded Statement
Most personal injury attorneys recommend that you do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault party’s insurance company without speaking to a professional first. If liability is clear and the insurance company keeps insisting, you can politely decline. You may also request a copy of their insured’s statement before considering giving your own.
If your own insurance company requests a recorded statement after an accident, review your policy. Many policies include a cooperation clause that may require you to provide a statement in order to receive coverage. In that case, it is usually a good idea to speak with a legal or claims expert beforehand.
Best Practices if You Choose to Give a Statement
If you decide to give a recorded statement after an accident, here are a few important tips to follow:
- Review the police report first so that you have accurate information in front of you
- Answer only the questions you are absolutely sure about
- Do not guess or make assumptions. If you are unsure, say you are not sure
- Keep your responses short and focus only on the facts of the accident
- Avoid discussing your injuries or treatment unless you have already seen a doctor and understand your condition
- Ask for a copy of the recorded statement if possible
Final Thoughts
A recorded statement after an accident is more than just a routine call. It is a tool that insurance companies use to shape the direction of your claim and sometimes reduce the amount they are willing to pay. What you say early in the process can be used later to question your credibility or minimize your injuries. That is why it is important to stick to the facts, avoid guessing, and speak with a qualified professional before giving any statement.
If you have questions about your accident or your rights, contact us and someone from our team will be happy to help you.
