After a car accident in Utah, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim. They’ll be friendly, seem sympathetic, and may even sound like they’re on your side. They’re not. Here are five things insurance adjusters don’t want you to know.
1. Their Job Is to Pay You as Little as Possible
Insurance adjusters are evaluated and often bonused based on how little they pay out on claims. When an adjuster calls you after an accident, their goal isn’t to help you — it’s to gather information that can be used to reduce your settlement. Every question they ask is strategic.
This doesn’t mean adjusters are bad people. They’re doing their job. But their job is fundamentally at odds with your interest in receiving fair compensation. Understanding this dynamic is the first step to protecting yourself.
2. The First Settlement Offer Is Almost Always a Lowball
Insurance companies frequently make a quick initial settlement offer, sometimes within days of the accident. This offer is calculated to be just high enough to be tempting — especially when you’re dealing with medical bills and lost wages — but far below the true value of your claim.
In our experience representing Utah accident victims, the first offer is typically 30-50% less than what the case is actually worth. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back for more money — even if your injuries turn out to be worse than initially thought.
3. You Don’t Have to Give a Recorded Statement
One of the first things an adjuster will request is a recorded statement. They’ll frame it as a routine part of processing your claim. In reality, they’re looking for inconsistencies they can use against you later.
You are under no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Politely decline and direct them to your attorney. If you don’t have an attorney yet, simply say you’d like to consult with one before making any statements.
4. They Monitor Your Social Media
Insurance companies routinely check claimants’ social media profiles looking for posts that contradict injury claims. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering, checking in at a restaurant, or even a casual “I’m doing okay” post can be presented as evidence that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.
Our advice: set all social media accounts to private and avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or daily activities until your case is resolved. Better yet, take a break from social media entirely during your claim.
5. Having an Attorney Typically Increases Your Settlement
Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants typically accept lower settlements. Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys receive significantly more compensation — even after attorney fees — than those who negotiate on their own.
An experienced personal injury attorney understands the true value of your claim, knows how to counter insurance tactics, and has the resources to take your case to trial if necessary. That leverage alone often results in substantially higher offers from the insurance company.
What You Should Do Instead
After any accident in Utah, focus on your health first. Document everything. Don’t sign anything from the insurance company without legal review. And consult with a personal injury attorney before making any decisions about your claim — most consultations are free, including ours.
Don’t let insurance tactics cost you the compensation you deserve. Contact Auto Injury House for a free, confidential case review. We’ll evaluate your claim and explain your options — with zero obligation. Call us 24/7 or fill out our online form to get started.