10 Things Insurance Companies Hope Injury Victims Never Learn

Insurance companies hope you never learn that you have more rights and options than their representatives may suggest. Knowing these 10 facts can help you protect your claim and avoid settling for less than you need. In the event you were involved in a collision and need to talk to an insurance company, contact our car accident lawyers in St. George today for assistance.

#1: The Adjuster’s Job Is to Protect the Insurance Company’s Money

An insurance adjuster may seem friendly and helpful, but they work for the company. Their goal is to resolve your claim for as little as possible. Anything you say may be used to question your injuries or shift blame to you, so keep conversations brief and factual.

#2: You Can Decline to Give a Recorded Statement

If the other driver’s insurer asks for a recorded statement, you are not required to give one. Adjusters often use leading questions to get answers that downplay your injuries. Your own policy may require you to cooperate with your insurer, so review it before speaking with them.

#3: Early Offers Are Usually Far Below What a Claim Is Worth

Insurers often make quick settlement offers before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot ask for more money later, even if your condition gets worse.

#4: Some Injuries Allow You to Step Outside Utah’s No-Fault System

Utah drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP), which covers at least $3,000 in medical costs no matter who caused the crash. You can also pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if your injuries meet certain thresholds. These include:

• Medical expenses over $3,000
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Permanent disfigurement
• Dismemberment

By pursuing a third-party claim, you can recover compensation for additional damages, including pain and suffering.

#5: Sharing Part of the Blame May Not End Your Claim

Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as your share of fault is less than 50%. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why insurers often try to inflate it.

#6: A Broad Medical Release Can Hurt More Than It Helps

An insurance adjuster may ask you to sign a release giving access to your entire medical history. The insurer can use unrelated medical records to argue that a past condition caused your pain. If an adjuster sends you a medical authorization form, have an attorney review it before you sign.

#7: Gaps in Treatment Can Be Used to Question Your Injuries

Missed appointments or weeks without medical care give insurers a reason to claim you were not seriously hurt or that something else caused your injuries. Following your doctor’s treatment plan helps document the connection between the accident and your injuries.

#8: Your Social Media Activity May Be Reviewed

Insurers may check your public social media accounts for photos or posts that seem to contradict your claim. A picture of you at a party or on a short hike with friends can be taken out of context. Consider pausing your posts until your claim is resolved.

#9: Waiting Too Long Can Cost You the Right to Recover

Most personal injury lawsuits in Utah must be filed within four years of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. An insurer may extend negotiations, but a lawyer can track each deadline and file a lawsuit in time to protect your claim.

#10: Future Medical Costs and Lost Earning Capacity Belong in Your Claim

Your claim can include more than the bills you have already received. If your injuries require ongoing care or limit your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for future treatment and lost earning capacity.

Talk with a St. George Personal Injury Lawyer Before You Accept Any Offer

Before you accept a settlement offer, it helps to have someone on your side who understands these tactics. At We Win Injury Law, our St. George personal injury attorneys handle communication with insurers and pursue compensation that reflects your full losses. Contact us today to discuss your claim and your options.