The costliest mistake is believing the adjuster when they say a recorded statement is required right now or your claim will be delayed.

That is what the insurance company will tell you. What is actually true in Ohio is more limited.

If it is the other driver's insurer, they generally cannot force you to give a recorded statement. You are not under contract with them. They ask for one because people misspeak, guess about speed or pain, or apologize out of politeness, and those words get used to cut the payout later.

If it is your own insurer, your policy may require you to cooperate. Even then, that does not mean you must answer vague questions immediately, in English you do not fully understand, or sign broad medical releases. You can ask for the questions in writing, ask for time to review your policy, and insist on an interpreter or a trusted person helping you understand what is being asked.

In Ohio, the bigger deadline is usually the lawsuit deadline: 2 years for most bodily injury claims under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10. Do not let an adjuster create a fake "today only" deadline that distracts you from the real one.

After a Dayton crash, especially spring and summer bike or pedestrian collisions at crosswalks, protect yourself by keeping:

• the Dayton Police or Ohio crash report number
• photos of the scene, bike, helmet, clothing, and injuries
• names of witnesses
• every medical bill and work-loss record

If an adjuster keeps pushing in a language you do not read well, you can tell them: "Send it in writing." If they misrepresent your rights or pressure you unfairly, complaints go to the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Also, do not sign a blanket medical authorization. Ohio insurers often ask for far more records than they need.