After a car accident, you might get a call from an insurance adjuster asking to “just get your side of the story.” What they’re really asking for is a recorded statement and it’s one of the most common ways insurance companies protect their bottom line, not yours.
While it may seem like a routine request, what you say on the record can seriously affect your ability to recover compensation. One small mistake, vague answer, or offhand comment can be twisted to downplay your injuries or shift blame for the crash.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a recorded statement actually is, when you’re required to give one in Michigan (and when you’re not), the risks of going it alone, and how to protect yourself by knowing your rights.
What Is a Recorded Statement After a Car Accident?
A recorded statement is a formal conversation, usually over the phone, where an insurance adjuster asks you questions about the crash while recording your answers. It might sound like a casual chat, but make no mistake: everything you say is on the record and can be used later during your claim or in court. These statements are often requested within days of the accident, before you’ve had time to fully understand your injuries or gather all the facts. The adjuster may say things like:
The truth? The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to lock you into a version of events that limits their liability and reduces what they have to pay. Even honest, well-meaning answers can be taken out of context. In the next section, we’ll cover whether you’re actually required to give a recorded statement in Michigan and what to watch out for.
Do You Have to Give a Recorded Statement in Michigan?
After a crash, insurance companies often pressure victims into giving a recorded statement right away but in most cases, you are not legally required to do so, especially if it’s requested by the other driver’s insurance company. In Michigan, your own insurance company may request a statement as part of your no-fault claim, but even then, you have the right to delay or consult an attorney first. The at-fault driver’s insurer has no legal authority to demand one. Here’s a breakdown of who might ask for a statement and what your obligations really are:
Always remember: you don’t have to go it alone. Even a short, innocent-sounding statement can be used against you later if it contains anything insurers can twist.
Why Insurance Companies Ask for Recorded Statements
Insurance companies often present recorded statements as routine or harmless, but their real goal is to protect their bottom line, not yours. These conversations are carefully designed to gather information they can later use to deny or reduce your claim. Here’s why adjusters push for recorded statements:
Once they have you on record, it becomes harder to correct mistakes and they’re not obligated to share the full recording with you.
Risks of Giving a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Recorded statements may seem informal, but they are anything but. Once you’re on the record, even small misstatements or offhand comments can be used by insurance adjusters to dispute your injuries or shift fault onto you. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make during recorded statements and how they can damage your claim:
Even a well-meaning statement can be taken out of context. That’s why it’s critical to talk to a lawyer before giving any kind of recorded account, especially to the other driver’s insurer.
What to Do If You’re Asked to Give a Statement
If you’ve been in a car accident and an insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement, don’t panic and don’t rush. You have the right to pause, get informed, and protect yourself before saying anything on the record. Here’s what you should do if you’re contacted:
Insurance companies want to move fast because they hope you’ll speak before you understand your rights. Slowing things down and getting legal guidance first gives you the advantage.
Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Say Anything
Recorded statements can be risky, even when you’re telling the truth. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask leading questions, twist your words, and look for anything they can use to reduce your claim. Before you go on the record, make sure someone is looking out for your best interests.
At The Clark Law Office, we help Michigan accident victims protect their rights from day one. We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to, and make sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize your case. Whether you’ve already been contacted or expect a call soon, we’re here to help you make the right decision.
🔗 Explore other legal concerns after a crash in our Car Accident Laws & Legal Process guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recorded Statements After a Crash
