If you are in an automobile accident, do not give a recorded statement to the other insurance company!

If you are in an auto accident in Maryland, I recommend that you do not give a recorded to the insurance company of the other  driver(s).

Why? Here are three reasons:

  1. The person who calls you from the insurance company is  familiar with the law and understands how to ask questions that may make you give an admission, even if you are not at fault in the accident. Remember that the adjuster for the other insurance company does not have your interests in mind.
  2. Your answers could hurt your case!  Since your answers will be recorded, they could be used against you in a court of law. Do not give a recorded statement when you are on pain medicine or if you are not sleeping because of pain.  Especially, do not answer any questions about your injuries!!  (If you forget about a part of your body that was injured, the insurance company will later contest treatment for that part of the body.)
  3. There is one exception-you have to give a recorded statement to your insurance company because it is required by your contract with them.  However, remember that, if the other car(s) in the accident has the same insurance company as you, make sure that you are only giving a statement to the adjuster representing you.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ASK BEFORE YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS.