Where This Fits in the Claim Process
A request for a recorded statement usually comes early—after the claim is opened and the adjuster is gathering information to decide (1) who they think is at fault and (2) what injuries and losses they believe are related to the crash. The adjuster may frame it as “routine,” but it is still evidence that can affect how the claim is evaluated.
Practical Steps That Usually Help
- Control the communication: Ask what topics they want to cover and whether they will accept a written statement instead. If you do speak, take notes on the date/time, who was on the call, and what was asked.
- Protect the record: Stick to what you personally know. If you don’t know an answer (speed, distances, exact timing, medical prognosis), it is okay to say you don’t know or that you need to check. Avoid guessing.
- Escalation options: If the adjuster is pressuring you, you can ask for the request in writing, ask to schedule a later time, or ask to speak with a supervisor. You can also tell them you are seeking legal advice and will follow up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing into a recorded statement: Early on, you may not yet have the full picture of your injuries, treatment course, or time missed from work. A recording can freeze an incomplete version of events.
- Agreeing with loaded wording: Adjusters may ask questions that assume facts (for example, that you “didn’t see” the other vehicle, or that you were “fine” afterward). If the wording is not accurate, correct it.
- Minimizing or overstating symptoms: Either extreme can cause problems. It’s better to describe what you noticed and when, without trying to diagnose yourself.
- Inconsistent timelines: Small inconsistencies (when pain started, when you sought care, what you told providers) often become a focus later. If you are unsure, say so.
- Over-sharing: Broad questions about prior injuries, unrelated medical history, or activities can drift beyond what is necessary. Keep answers narrow and truthful.
How This Applies
Apply to your situation: Since you’re getting calls soon after a Durham-area crash, the adjuster is likely trying to lock down a version of the facts and your early symptom timeline. If you haven’t had a chance to review the crash details, gather photos, or understand your treatment status, a recorded statement can create avoidable disputes. A safer approach is often to pause, collect your basic information, and decide whether to respond in writing or through counsel.
Conclusion
You usually do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s liability adjuster, and doing so can create issues if you guess, miss details, or describe injuries before they fully develop. If you choose to speak, keep it limited and accurate, and document what happened on the call. One practical next step is to talk with a licensed North Carolina personal injury attorney before you agree to any recorded interview.
