What You Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster After a Utah Accident
After a car accident in Utah, the insurance adjuster will call fast and sound friendly. That call feels routine, but almost every question has a purpose, and the wrong answer can quietly shrink your claim before you even understand what it is worth.
Be polite, but say as little as possible. Do not admit fault, do not guess, do not describe your injuries, and never give a recorded statement before speaking with an attorney. You are not required to.
Why the adjuster’s questions are not as friendly as they seem
The adjuster works for the insurance company, and the company’s goal is to pay as little as possible. That does not make them villains. It makes them professionals doing a job that is not the same as protecting you. A warm, sympathetic tone is often part of the process. Anything you say can be written down, recorded, and used later to reduce or deny your claim.
What you should never say
- “I’m sorry.” A reflexive apology can be twisted into an admission of fault, even if you did nothing wrong.
- “I’m fine” or “I’m not hurt.” Many injuries such as whiplash, concussions, soft-tissue damage show up hours or days later. Downplaying early can cap your claim.
- “I think” or “maybe it was going about…” Guessing about speed, distance, or fault creates statements that can be used against you. If you do not know, say so.
- “Yes, you can record this.” You are not obligated to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. Decline politely.
- Details about your injuries or treatment. Your medical picture is not complete yet. Let the records speak once you have finished treatment.
Remember who you are talking to. The adjuster is not neutral and is not your advocate. Being cooperative does not mean answering every question. It means being calm, factual, and brief.
What you can safely say
You do not have to stonewall. It is perfectly fine to share the basic facts: your name, the date, time, and location of the crash, and the vehicles involved. Beyond that, you can say you are still being evaluated and will follow up through your attorney. Then get the claim number and end the call.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give the other driver’s insurance a statement?
No. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You can decline and direct them to your attorney.
What if I already gave a recorded statement?
Do not panic, but do talk to a lawyer soon. An attorney can review what was said, limit the damage, and make sure the rest of your claim is handled carefully.
Should I talk to my own insurance company?
You generally have a duty to cooperate with your own insurer, but the same rules apply: be factual and brief, and consider having an attorney involved before detailed conversations.
Let us handle the insurance company
You focus on healing. We will deal with the adjusters. Robert J. DeBry & Associates offers free consultations across Utah, with no fee unless we win.
This article is general information about the personal injury process in Utah and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Speak with a licensed Utah attorney about the specific facts of your case.