Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

The at-fault driver's insurance adjuster will often call within hours of the accident. They sound friendly. They may ask you to walk through how you feel, what you remember, what your day was like before the accident. Each of these answers — even the casual ones — can be used to argue that your injuries are unrelated, less severe, or partly your fault.

Common adjuster traps: 'How are you feeling?' (used to argue you said you were 'fine'). 'Did you see the other car before the impact?' (used to argue you had time to avoid it). 'How fast were you going?' (used against you under comparative negligence rules in O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33).

Your own policy is different. Most Georgia auto policies have a cooperation clause requiring you to give your insurer a recorded statement in exchange for coverage. Read the policy or have an attorney read it before you sign anything.

• O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33