After an accident in St. Louis, you’ll likely receive a phone call from an insurance adjuster asking for a recorded statement about what happened. They’ll sound friendly, helpful, and concerned about your well-being. They’ll tell you it’s just a formality and that they need your statement to process your claim quickly. But here’s what they won’t tell you: anything you say in that recorded statement can be used to reduce or deny your claim entirely. The Dixon Injury Firm’s award-winning legal team has recovered over $60 million for St. Louis injury victims, and we’ve seen countless cases where recorded statements damaged otherwise strong claims.
The short answer is this: You are NOT required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company in Missouri, and in most cases, you should not give one without speaking to an attorney first. The Dixon Injury Firm has fought and won against major insurance companies throughout Missouri, and we understand the tactics they use to minimize payouts. Attorney Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis and raises his family here—his children attend local schools—so when we protect you from insurance company tactics, we’re protecting our neighbors. Call (314) 208-2808 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
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Insurance adjusters don’t request recorded statements to help you. They request them to protect their company’s financial interests. Here’s what they’re really doing when they ask for a recorded statement:
Looking for inconsistencies. Even small differences between what you say immediately after an accident and what you say days or weeks later can be used to question your credibility. If you told the police officer at the scene that you “think” the light was green, but tell the adjuster you “know” it was green, they’ll use that inconsistency against you.
Getting you on record before you know the full extent of your injuries. Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. You might feel fine the day after a car accident, only to discover a week later that you have a herniated disc or traumatic brain injury. If you told the adjuster you felt “okay” in your recorded statement, they’ll argue your injuries aren’t serious or aren’t related to the accident.
Obtaining statements that minimize their insured’s fault. Adjusters are skilled at asking questions that lead you to accept partial blame for the accident. In Missouri’s pure comparative fault system, any percentage of fault attributed to you reduces your compensation dollar-for-dollar.
Creating a record they can use against you in court. Recorded statements are admissible evidence. If your case goes to trial, the insurance company’s attorneys will have a recording of everything you said, long before you fully understood your legal rights or the value of your claim.
The Dixon Injury Firm has seen these tactics used against St. Louis residents for over 25 years of combined legal experience. We know how insurance companies operate because we’ve fought them—and won.
Understanding your legal obligations is critical when insurance companies start calling after an accident. Here’s what Missouri law actually requires:
Your Own Insurance Company: You typically MUST cooperate with your own insurance company. Your insurance policy is a contract, and that contract usually requires you to report accidents promptly and cooperate with your insurer’s investigation. This includes giving a statement when requested. However, you can still ask to have an attorney present, and you should review your policy language carefully.
The Other Driver’s Insurance Company: You have NO legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company in Missouri. None. They may tell you it’s required, necessary, or standard procedure—but you can decline. They represent the other driver, not you, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Carrier: If you’re making a claim under your own UM/UIM coverage (because the at-fault driver had insufficient insurance), you’ll likely need to provide a statement to your insurance company as part of that claim. Again, consider having an attorney present.
Law Enforcement: You must provide accurate information to police officers investigating the accident. This is separate from insurance company statements. Failing to provide information to law enforcement or providing false information can result in criminal charges.
Don’t let an insurance adjuster pressure you into believing you must give a recorded statement immediately. Contact The Dixon Injury Firm at (314) 208-2808 before you agree to any recorded interview. Our consultation is free, and we can advise you on your specific situation.
Even when you’re telling the truth, recorded statements can damage your claim in ways you might not anticipate:
You don’t yet know all the facts. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you may not have complete information. You might not know the other driver was texting, that they ran a red light, or that there were witnesses who saw exactly what happened. Making statements before you have all the facts can lock you into an incomplete or inaccurate version of events.
You’re not a legal expert. Insurance adjusters understand Missouri personal injury law—comparative fault, damages calculations, liability standards. You probably don’t. They know which questions to ask to elicit responses that benefit their company. You’re at a significant disadvantage in this conversation.
You’re likely in pain, on medication, or emotionally traumatized. After an accident, you may be taking prescription pain medication, dealing with shock, or struggling with anxiety and trauma. These conditions affect your ability to think clearly and communicate effectively. Adjusters know this and may intentionally contact you when you’re most vulnerable.
Your injuries may not be fully apparent. Soft tissue injuries, concussions, PTSD, and other serious conditions often don’t present immediate symptoms. If you tell an adjuster you’re “fine” or have only “minor soreness” before seeing a doctor, they’ll use that statement to argue against coverage for later-diagnosed injuries.
Every word is scrutinized. Insurance companies employ specialists who analyze recorded statements word-by-word, looking for anything that can be used to reduce your claim. Casual phrases like “I didn’t see them until the last second” can be twisted to suggest you weren’t paying attention.
The Dixon Injury Firm’s experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers have protected thousands of accident victims from these tactics. We’ve recovered over $60 million by standing between our clients and insurance companies who use recorded statements as weapons.
Insurance adjusters use carefully crafted questions designed to elicit responses that benefit their company. Here are common questions and the traps they contain:
“How are you feeling?” This sounds like simple courtesy, but if you say “I’m okay” or “I’m fine,” they’ll document that you reported feeling well shortly after the accident. When you later claim serious injuries, they’ll point to this statement as evidence your injuries aren’t severe.
“Can you describe what happened?” This open-ended question invites you to provide a narrative. Without legal training, you may inadvertently include details that suggest you were partially at fault, that you were distracted, or that conditions weren’t as dangerous as you later claim.
“What were the road conditions like?” If you say the roads were dry and clear, but later argue that visibility was poor or conditions were hazardous, the insurance company will use your recorded statement to undermine your credibility.
“Were you wearing your seatbelt?” In Missouri, failure to wear a seatbelt generally cannot be used as evidence of comparative fault (RSMo § 307.178). However, adjusters may still ask to create doubt about your injuries or to suggest you were careless.
“Have you ever been injured before?” This question seeks to discover pre-existing conditions or prior injuries. Insurance companies love to argue that your current injuries are actually pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident they’re investigating.
“Have you talked to a lawyer?” Adjusters ask this to gauge whether you understand your rights. If you haven’t spoken to a lawyer, they know you’re more vulnerable to their tactics. If you have, they may end the conversation and become less cooperative.
“Do you need to check with anyone before we settle?” This is often asked when making a low initial settlement offer. They want to know if an attorney is involved who might advise you to reject their inadequate offer.
Attorney Chris Dixon and the legal team at The Dixon Injury Firm know every trick insurance companies use because we’ve been fighting them for St. Louis families for years. We live here, work here, and raise our families here—and we’re tired of watching our neighbors get taken advantage of by insurance companies more concerned with profits than people.
While you should generally avoid giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company, there are situations where providing a statement may be necessary or beneficial:
To Your Own Insurance Company: As mentioned, your insurance policy likely requires cooperation. If you refuse to give any statement to your own insurer, they could potentially deny coverage for breach of your policy terms. The key difference: you can request that your attorney be present or on the phone during this statement.
After You’ve Reached Maximum Medical Improvement: Once you’ve completed treatment and your doctor has determined you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), the full extent of your injuries is known. At this point, with an attorney’s guidance, giving a statement may be appropriate as part of settlement negotiations.
When Your Attorney Advises It’s Strategically Beneficial: Sometimes, after investigating your case thoroughly, your attorney may determine that a statement (with them present to protect you) could actually help your claim. This might occur when the facts clearly support your version of events and your attorney wants to establish that record early.
In a Deposition During Litigation: If your case proceeds to a lawsuit, you’ll be required to give testimony under oath during a deposition. However, this is very different from an informal recorded statement. Your attorney will be present, will prepare you thoroughly beforehand, and can object to improper questions.
The critical factor in all these scenarios is having legal representation. The Dixon Injury Firm ensures that when our clients do need to provide statements, they’re fully prepared and protected. With 25+ years of combined legal experience and exposure to thousands of personal injury cases throughout Missouri, we know how to navigate these situations to protect your interests.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you requesting a recorded statement, here’s exactly what you should do:
Be polite but firm. You can say: “I’m not comfortable giving a recorded statement at this time. I need to speak with an attorney first.” You don’t need to explain further or justify your decision. The adjuster may push back, but stand your ground.
Get the adjuster’s information. Write down the adjuster’s name, phone number, the insurance company they represent, the claim number, and the date they contacted you. This information will be helpful when you speak with an attorney.
Don’t provide any details about the accident. Even casual conversation can be problematic. Adjusters sometimes keep taking notes even when you think you’re having an off-the-record conversation. Keep your communication minimal.
Don’t sign anything. Insurance companies may send you forms, medical authorizations, or settlement documents. Don’t sign anything without having an attorney review it first. Medical authorizations can give insurance companies access to your entire medical history, not just records related to the accident.
Document everything. Keep a record of every time an insurance company contacts you—dates, times, who called, what they said, and what you said. This documentation can be valuable if disputes arise later.
Contact a St. Louis personal injury attorney immediately. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner someone can handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Once you have an attorney, you can direct all insurance company contacts to your lawyer, eliminating the pressure and protecting your rights.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we offer free consultations to discuss your situation. Call (314) 208-2808 to speak with our team. We’ll explain your rights, advise you on how to handle insurance company requests, and protect you from tactics designed to minimize your compensation.
When you hire The Dixon Injury Firm to represent you after an accident, we become your shield against insurance company tactics:
We handle all communications. Once you retain us, insurance adjusters must contact us instead of you. No more stressful phone calls. No more pressure to give statements or accept quick settlements. We deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
We know what to say and what not to say. Our attorneys have 25+ years of combined experience negotiating with insurance companies. We know exactly what information to provide, how to frame it, and what to withhold to protect your claim. We never give insurance companies ammunition to use against you.
We conduct a thorough investigation first. Before providing any information to insurance companies, we investigate your accident completely. We gather police reports, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and collect all available evidence. This ensures we’re operating from a position of strength and knowledge.
We document your injuries completely. We work with your medical providers to ensure all injuries are properly diagnosed, treated, and documented. We understand which injuries may not manifest immediately and ensure you’re evaluated for delayed-symptom conditions like traumatic brain injuries or psychological trauma.
We accurately value your claim. Insurance companies often make lowball initial offers hoping you’ll accept quickly. We know how to properly calculate both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future medical care) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). Our track record includes recovering over $60 million for clients, including a $30 million wrongful death case and numerous million-dollar settlements.
We’re prepared to fight in court. Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to go to trial and which will settle cheaply. The Dixon Injury Firm is led by Top 100 Trial Lawyers who are Lifetime Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (top 1% of U.S. trial lawyers). Insurance companies know we’re not afraid of the courtroom, which strengthens our negotiating position.
Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers understand the insurance tactics used against Missouri accident victims because we’ve been fighting these companies for years—and winning. When you work with us, you’re working with neighbors who are invested in this community and committed to protecting St. Louis families.
Recorded statement requests are just one tactic insurance companies use to minimize payouts. Here are other common strategies you should watch for:
The Quick Settlement Offer: Insurance adjusters may contact you within days of your accident offering a fast settlement. These early offers are almost always far below what your claim is actually worth. They’re hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries or your legal rights.
Requesting Broad Medical Authorizations: Insurance companies may ask you to sign authorizations giving them access to all your medical records—including records completely unrelated to your accident. They’re searching for pre-existing conditions or past injuries they can use to argue your current injuries aren’t accident-related.
Surveillance: Don’t be surprised if the insurance company hires investigators to surveil you. They’re looking for evidence that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. If you said you have severe back pain preventing you from working, but they film you lifting groceries, they’ll use that footage against you.
Delay Tactics: Sometimes insurance companies intentionally slow down the claims process, hoping you’ll become financially desperate and accept a low settlement just to pay your bills. Missouri law provides five years to file most personal injury claims (RSMo § 516.120), so don’t let them pressure you with artificial deadlines.
“Independent” Medical Examinations: The insurance company may request that you undergo an examination by “their” doctor. These doctors often minimize injuries and produce reports favorable to insurance companies. You should consult with an attorney before agreeing to any insurance company medical examination.
Disputing Treatment Necessity: Insurance companies frequently argue that your medical treatment was unnecessary, excessive, or unrelated to the accident. They may refuse to pay for physical therapy, imaging studies, or specialist consultations, claiming these treatments weren’t required.
The Dixon Injury Firm has seen every tactic insurance companies employ against St. Louis accident victims, and we know how to counter each one. Attorney Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis with his family, and his children attend local schools. When insurance companies try to take advantage of St. Louis residents, they’re taking advantage of our neighbors—and we won’t stand for it.
When you’re facing pressure from insurance companies after an accident, you need experienced advocates who understand both Missouri law and insurance company tactics:
Award-Winning Legal Team: Our attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers® for 2024-2025, named Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and are Lifetime Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor limited to the top 1% of U.S. trial lawyers.
Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered over $60 million for personal injury victims throughout Missouri and Illinois, including a $30 million wrongful death case, a $12 million wrongful death settlement, and numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements. We’ve fought and won against some of the largest insurance companies and corporations in Missouri.
True Local Connection: Attorney Chris Dixon isn’t just a St. Louis lawyer—he’s a St. Louisan who grew up here, graduated from Lindbergh High School, and chose to raise his family here. His children attend local schools. When we fight for you, we’re fighting for our neighbors, our friends, our fellow St. Louisans. This community matters to us because it’s our home.
Experience Against Big Insurance: We’ve gone head-to-head with major insurance companies and won. Insurance giants have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your payout. You deserve a team with the experience and resources to fight back on your behalf.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. You can afford the same quality legal representation as the insurance companies—without any financial risk.
Personalized Attention: Every case receives individualized legal strategies tailored to your specific circumstances. You’ll work directly with your attorney, not just paralegals or support staff. We treat every client like the neighbor they are.
25+ Years of Combined Experience: Our legal team has been exposed to thousands of personal injury cases throughout Missouri. We understand Missouri’s pure comparative fault system, the five-year statute of limitations, insurance requirements, and the tactics companies use to avoid paying fair compensation.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you after an accident. Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today at (314) 208-2808 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and handle all communications with insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
If an insurance company has contacted you requesting a recorded statement after an accident in St. Louis, don’t agree to anything until you’ve spoken with an experienced attorney. The Dixon Injury Firm offers free consultations to discuss your specific situation and advise you on the best course of action.
We understand the pressure you’re facing. Medical bills are piling up, you may be unable to work, and insurance adjusters are calling repeatedly asking for statements and information. But making the wrong decision now can affect your ability to recover fair compensation for years to come.
Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. With over $60 million recovered for clients and a proven track record fighting major insurance companies throughout Missouri, we have the experience to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Call The Dixon Injury Firm today at (314) 208-2808. We’re available to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and provide the guidance you need during this difficult time. Remember: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Attorney Chris Dixon and our entire legal team are committed to serving St. Louis families because this is our community. We live here, work here, and raise our families here alongside you. When insurance companies use tactics to deny fair compensation to St. Louis residents, they’re hurting our neighbors—and we’re here to fight back.
No. You have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company in Missouri. They may tell you it’s required or necessary, but you can decline. However, you typically must cooperate with your own insurance company as required by your policy. Always consult with an attorney before giving any recorded statement, even to your own insurer.
If you refuse to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, they cannot use your refusal against you or deny your claim based solely on that refusal. The insurance company must still investigate the accident and evaluate liability based on available evidence like police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Having an attorney communicate on your behalf prevents insurance companies from pressuring you directly while still moving your claim forward.
Yes. Recorded statements are admissible evidence in Missouri courts. If your case goes to trial, the insurance company’s attorneys can play your recorded statement for the jury and use any inconsistencies or admissions against you. This is why it’s critical to have an attorney present before giving any statement—they can ensure you don’t inadvertently say something that damages your case down the road.
Missouri law provides five years from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits (RSMo § 516.120). However, don’t let this timeline give you false comfort. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies become less cooperative as time passes. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. While you can’t take back what you’ve already said, an attorney can review your statement, assess potential damage to your claim, and develop strategies to address any problematic statements. In many cases, attorneys can still successfully negotiate fair settlements or win at trial even when clients gave recorded statements before hiring legal representation.
Actually, the opposite is often true. Insurance companies know they can’t use the same tactics against experienced attorneys that they use against unrepresented accident victims. When you have legal representation, insurance companies must take your claim seriously and communicate through your attorney. Studies consistently show that accident victims with legal representation recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves.
Missouri is not a no-fault state—it’s an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. You don’t have to go through your own insurance first, and you’re not required to give recorded statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules (RSMo § 537.765), meaning you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Nothing upfront and nothing unless we win. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee comes from the settlement or verdict we recover for you—typically a percentage of your recovery. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This arrangement allows you to have experienced legal representation without any financial risk, leveling the playing field against insurance companies with unlimited resources.
Insurance companies prefer recorded statements because they capture not just your words but your tone, hesitations, and emotional state. A written statement gives you more time to think carefully about your responses and review what you’re saying. However, the same risks apply—anything you put in writing can be used against you. Before providing any statement in any format, consult with an attorney who can advise you on what information to provide and how to protect your interests.
Remember that insurance adjusters, no matter how friendly they seem, work for the insurance company—not for you. Their job is to minimize the amount their company pays out on claims. Being nice is a tactic to make you comfortable sharing information that can be used against you. Don’t mistake professionalism or friendliness for having your best interests at heart. The Dixon Injury Firm actually works for you and is legally obligated to protect your interests.
Many personal injury law factories get as many clients in the door as possible, hoping one will be the jackpot. Not us. At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’re highly selective about our cases because we devote considerable time and attention to each client.
