When Fast Insurance Payouts Cost You More
Our attorney Ken Denos recently sat down with Fox 13 to discuss how insurance companies handle accident claims and what drivers in Utah need to know before they sign anything. The conversation covered everything from property damage tactics to the coverage most people don’t realize they already have.
Acadia Law Group PC has built its practice around exactly these issues, helping clients spot the difference between a fair offer and a rushed one.
The Property Damage Problem
One of the first topics addressed was how insurers now use apps and instant links to settle property damage. A driver gets a text, uploads a few photos, and receives an offer within hours. Denos explained that “this only benefits them. They will offer you a payout without your car having ever been inspected or doing a teardown by a mechanic to uncover the full extent of damage.” Hidden frame issues and sensor damage don’t always show up in a photo, and accepting a quick payout can mean missing injuries that surface later.
There’s also a parts issue that catches people off guard. Vehicle owners have a right to OEM parts during repairs. He noted that “aftermarket or refurbished parts do not restore your vehicle to the same state it was before the crash,” which can affect how safely the car performs going forward.
Why the Words You Choose Matter
One case discussed on air showed how word choice changed the way a claim was evaluated. A client told an adjuster she went to the emergency room because “I wanted to get checked out,” rather than saying she was in pain. The adjuster later used that phrasing to question whether her injuries were connected to the crash at all. “The words you say to the insurance company matter,” Denos said, adding that statements can be twisted to support a narrative that isn’t in the client’s favor.
That’s part of why he encourages accident victims to call an attorney before speaking with any insurance company, including their own, since adjusters are often building a record rather than simply gathering facts.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash
A few habits make a real difference in how a claim plays out later:
- Take photos of both vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries
- Call the police, regardless of how minor the crash seems, so there’s an unbiased record
- See a doctor promptly, even if adrenaline is masking your pain
- Avoid detailed statements to insurers before speaking with a lawyer
- Track new or worsening symptoms in the days that follow
Denos pointed out that waiting until pain becomes unbearable to see a provider can hurt both your health and your claim. Symptoms that build gradually, like recurring headaches that weren’t there before the crash, are worth getting checked out early.
If you’re dealing with an insurance company that seems more interested in closing your file than covering your injuries, a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer can review your case before you accept anything in writing.
Coverage Most Drivers Don’t Fully Understand
Two coverage types came up repeatedly in the segment. The first is personal injury protection, or PIP. Under Utah Code 31A-22-307, Utah requires drivers to carry at least $3,000 in PIP benefits per person, and it applies automatically unless a driver explicitly rejects it. That coverage can go toward medical bills, a portion of lost wages, and even help around the house when injuries make normal tasks difficult.
The second is underinsured motorist coverage, or UIM, which Denos described as a safety net for situations where the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover the damages. The monthly premium difference between a modest UIM policy and a much higher one is often smaller than people expect, sometimes as little as ten dollars a month.
Denos summed up the mindset behind the firm’s approach this way: “we treat every client as a person, not a number,” relying on a detailed understanding of how insurance companies and their systems actually work.
If a recent crash has left you with an insurance offer that doesn’t feel right, talking with a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer before signing anything can prevent a costly mistake. Our team works to hold insurance companies accountable and pursue the full compensation our clients deserve, not just the number that closes a file the fastest.