The second myth of car accident claim is:

When you are in an accident and the insurance company calls you to ask for a recorded statement, you have to give them a recorded statement or they won’t settle with you.

The truth is that no law requires you to give a recorded statement. Now, as a practical matter, the insurance company may refuse to settle with you until you do give a recorded statement, but it is not a legal requirement.

Our view is that the adjusters are very experienced at taking statements and the flow of information is all one way. (Just try asking them for a recorded statement of their insured!)

While you may not need to hire an attorney it is probably a good idea to either read my book or get one of those “free consultations” with an attorney before getting on the phone for the recorded statement. Also, before the recording begins, get the insurance adjuster to agree to mail you the transcript of the statement. That way you will have a record what you said and can correct any mistakes you may, upon reflection, have made.