Summary: In this blog, MRH Law attorney Matt Meyerkord explains when recorded statements may be required, how they can affect your case, and why speaking with a lawyer first can help protect your outcome and avoid costly mistakes.
At MRH Law, we handle personal injury cases exclusively. Many of those cases involve recorded statements. These are usually given to insurance companies and, although not sworn, can still be used against you in a related lawsuit. Because recorded statements can affect the outcome of your case, we believe you should understand the risks before speaking with an insurance adjuster.
We dig deeper because we care what happens to you. We fight harder to protect your outcome at every step. That starts with helping clients avoid mistakes that insurance companies may later try to use against them.
First and foremost, I think you should talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. I’ll try to provide some insights into recorded statements in this blog post, but this is not everything, and every case is different. What I would tell you as your lawyer would depend on the specific facts of your case.
When a Recorded Statement May Be Required
Most first-party insurance claims, where you are making a claim directly against your own insurance company, require you to give a statement or submit to an examination under oath. These are often property loss claims, like fire damage to your home, or single-car crashes where it’s you versus the insurance company.
You can almost always determine whether you must give a recorded statement by checking your insurance policy. If you do not have a copy of your policy, your insurance company will usually provide one if you ask.
When a Simple Accident May Still Require Caution
If the harm-causing event was straightforward, like getting rear-ended at a stoplight, and you are comfortable listening carefully and answering only the questions asked, then giving a recorded statement may not create significant issues.
For example, if you were sitting at a red light, got rear-ended, and injured your back, that may be a relatively simple negligence claim that you could probably handle giving a statement about. In situations like this, many insurance adjusters are not going to dig too deep during the recorded statement process.
However, you should still be prepared. Even simple cases can become more complicated later, especially when injuries worsen or fault is disputed.
At MRH Law, we dig deeper into every case because details matter. As a trial-focused Kansas City personal injury firm, we prepare every case for trial from the beginning and work to uncover what others may miss. Here’s What Makes MRH Law Stand Out Among Kansas City Personal Injury Firms.
Tips If You Decide to Give a Recorded Statement
If you give a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer, there are a few important things to remember:
- Request a copy of the recording from the insurance company as a condition of giving the statement.
- Keep your answers short and simple.
- Answer only the specific question that was asked.
- Do not volunteer additional information.
- After answering, stay silent until the adjuster or investigator asks another question.
Insurance companies are trained to evaluate claims carefully. The words you choose can impact your case later, which is why preparation matters.
Key Takeaways
- Recorded statements can be used against you later, even if they are not given under oath.
- Some insurance policies require recorded statements for first-party claims, including property damage and single-vehicle accidents.
- Speaking with a personal injury lawyer before giving a statement can help protect your outcome and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of incomplete or unclear answers.
Protecting Your Outcome After an Accident
If you have questions about recorded statements or would like legal representation after an accident, please contact MRH Law. We dig deeper because we care, we prepare every case for trial, and we fight harder to protect your outcome.