Don’t Let Their Words Work Against You
After a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other personal injury one of the first calls you’ll get is from an insurance adjuster. In this call they will sound friendly, reasonable, and even sympathetic. But insurance adjusters work for an insurance company, not for you. Their job is to close your claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
Understanding what an adjuster says versus what they are actually doing can be the difference between a fair settlement and leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
“I just want to get you taken care of quickly.”
What they actually mean: We want to settle this before you know how serious your injuries are.
Adjusters often will push for a fast settlement because they know the full extent of your injuries will not be clear for days, weeks, or even months. Once you have accepted a settlement and you sign a release, you can not go back. This means if you need a surgery later, more physical therapy, or you miss more work than you thought you will not be compensated for it.
There is no such thing as a “quick” settlement that is also a fair one.
“You don’t need a lawyer for something like this.”
What they actually mean: Attorneys get results we don’t want to pay.
Studies show that consistently injured victims who have been represented by an attorney receive significantly higher settlements than those who negotiate on their own. Insurance adjusters know this and prey on it. They want you to work on your claim while you have to manage the rest of your life, it becomes difficult and you will want to close it quickly. When you hire an attorney their job is to manage and scrutinize your claim to get the maximum compensation possible.
So when an adjuster suggests that you don’t need a lawyer just know they are protecting their employer’s bottom line, not yours.
“We just need a recorded statement to process your claim.”
What they actually mean: We’re looking for something we can use against you later.
A recorded statement is not a routine formality, even if they make it seem like one. Adjusters are trained to ask you questions that will lead you to minimize your injuries, assign yourself partial blame, or contradict what you say later. Here in Utah, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. If an insurance adjuster is pestering you about a recorded statement consider reaching out to a Utah personal injury attorney before agreeing to any recorded conversations.
“Your injuries seem minor based on what we’re seeing.”
What they actually mean: We’re trying to establish a law value for your claim early.
Adjusters often make early “assessments” of your injuries before you have finished your treatment, before all your medical records are available, and before any specialists have weighed in. These documents and specialist statements can illustrate the severity of your injuries, by trying to establish a low value for your claim they can potentially stop you from seeking further medical treatment and getting the actual treatment you need.
“This is our best offer.”
What they actually mean: This is our opening position.
Insurance companies will never lead with their best offer. “Final” offers have a way of increasing substantially when an experienced personal injury attorney gets involved. Do not mistake their urgency to settle a claim for honesty. If you receive an offer that seems low, consider reaching out to a Utah personal injury lawyer and see what they think.
“We’ve already accepted liability, you just need to agree on damages.”
What they actually mean: We’re conceding the easy part to control the harder part.
When an adjuster volunteers liability early, it is often a strategic move to shift all of the focus to a damage negotiation that they are already prepared to lowball. Full liability acknowledgment can also come with strings attached. Make sure that you read everything carefully and have a personal injury lawyer review any documents before you sign them.
“Your medical bills are higher than what we consider reasonable.”
What they actually mean: We’ve decided, without medical expertise, what your care should have cost.
Insurance companies use software tools to evaluate medical bills and flag charges they deem “excessive.” But those tools aren’t doctors, and they are designed to reduce payouts. Under Utah law, you are entitled to recover the reasonable value of your medical treatment and an attorney can fight back against arbitrary reductions.
“If you hire a lawyer, this will take much longer.”
What they actually mean: Represented claimants get more money, and we’d rather avoid that.
Yes, building a strong case takes time. But the alternative, rushing to settle before you know the full value of your claim, can leave you paying out of pocket for future medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. Time spent building a solid case is almost always worth it.
“We’ll cover your medical bills as they come in.”
What they actually mean: We’re keeping you comfortable while we build leverage.
Some adjusters will offer to pay medical expenses incrementally as a goodwill gesture. This can create a sense of obligation or relationship that makes you less likely to push back during your settlement, or more likely to settle before you are ready.
Protect Yourself After an Injury in Utah
Insurance adjusters are professionals who handle hundreds of claims. Most injured people are going through the process for the first time. That information gap is the adjuster’s greatest advantage.
At LifeLaw Trial Lawyers, we level the playing field. Our Utah personal injury attorneys have the tactics adjusters use, and we know how to counter them. We handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf, so nothing you can say can be used to undercut your claim.
If you have been injured by the negligence of someone else contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps.