August 25, 2023
Should You Participate in an Insurance Adjuster Interview After a Utah Car Accident?
Call/Text Utah Car Accident Attorney Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 Before Speaking to an Adjuster
After a car accident in Utah, insurance adjusters may reach out to gather information about the incident. Understanding whether, when, and how to participate in an adjuster interview is crucial for protecting your rights and securing a fair settlement.
Do You Have to Participate in an Adjuster Interview?
1. The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company
- Obligation: No, you are not required to give an adjuster interview to the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Why?: You have no contractual or legal duty to cooperate with them.
- Think of the adjuster like a private investigator—they work for the opposing side and are not obligated to act in your best interest.
2. Your Own Insurance Company
- Obligation: Yes, you must cooperate with your own insurance company.
- Why?: Your policy includes a duty of good faith and fair dealing, requiring you to provide necessary information to your insurer.
- Timing: You can request to delay the interview until after consulting with a Utah car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
Should You Agree to an Insurance Adjuster Interview?
When to Say Yes:
- Expedited Process: Agreeing to an interview with the at-fault insurance adjuster may speed up certain processes, such as:
- Vehicle repairs.
- Approval for a rental car.
- Settlement discussions.
- Clear Liability: If liability is straightforward (e.g., rear-end collisions), an interview might help resolve the claim more quickly.
When to Say No:
- Disputed Liability: If fault for the accident is unclear or contested, it’s best to avoid an interview without legal guidance.
- Risk of Self-Incrimination: Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim or deny liability.
Why You Should Have an Attorney Present for an Adjuster Interview
Never agree to an adjuster interview—especially with the at-fault insurance company—without consulting an attorney.
An Attorney Can Help You:
- Understand Your Talking Points
- Attorneys guide you on how to answer questions without inadvertently admitting fault or minimizing your damages.
- Assess Liability and Damages
- They anticipate how the insurance company will use your statements to evaluate your claim.
- Protect Your Interests
- Legal representation ensures that you’re not coerced or tricked into making statements that harm your case.
Call Jake Gunter Before Your Adjuster Interview
Navigating insurance adjuster interviews without legal support can jeopardize your claim. Protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly by contacting experienced Utah car accident attorney Jake Gunter.
Call/Text Jake Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a Free Consultation Today.