Tricks Insurance Companies Use to Undermine Your Accident Claim: Insights from an Experienced Accident Attorney

Accidents are unexpected, often devastating events that can leave you physically injured, emotionally drained, and financially burdened. In these challenging times, the role of an insurance company should ideally be to provide support and fair compensation for your losses. However, as an experienced accident attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how insurance companies often employ a variety of tactics to minimize or deny your claims. Here, I’ll expose some of the common tricks these companies use and offer advice on how to protect yourself.

Delaying the Process

One of the most common strategies used by insurance companies is to delay the claims process. They understand that financial pressure from medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can push claimants to accept lower settlements. By dragging out the process, they aim to frustrate you into settling for less than you deserve.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stay Persistent: Don’t let delays wear you down. Keep meticulous records of all communications and follow up regularly.
• Seek Legal Advice: An attorney can help expedite the process and apply pressure on the insurance company to move things along.

Offering Quick, Low-Ball Settlements

In the aftermath of an accident, you might be approached with a settlement offer that seems like a quick solution to your problems. Insurance companies often make low-ball offers hoping that you’ll take the money before fully understanding the extent of your injuries or damages.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don’t Rush: Take your time to understand the full impact of the accident on your life. Consult with medical professionals to get a comprehensive assessment of your injuries.
• Consult an Attorney: Before accepting any offer, discuss it with an experienced accident attorney who can evaluate whether the settlement is fair.

Disputing Liability

Insurance companies may try to deny your claim by arguing that you were at fault for the accident, even if it’s clear that you were not. They might use statements you made, witness testimonies, or even biased accident reports to shift the blame onto you.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be Cautious with Statements: Be careful about what you say to insurance adjusters. They might use your words against you.
• Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses.
• Legal Representation: An attorney can help gather evidence, build a strong case, and counter any unfounded claims of liability.

Downplaying Your Injuries

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the severity of your injuries. They might claim that your injuries are pre-existing or not as serious as you say. This tactic is designed to reduce the amount they have to pay out.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Always get a thorough medical examination after an accident. Follow up with all recommended treatments and keep detailed records.
• Independent Medical Opinions: If necessary, seek opinions from multiple healthcare providers to validate the severity of your injuries.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments, and how your injuries impact your daily life.

Surveillance Tactics

Insurance companies may hire private investigators to surveil you, looking for any evidence that could be used to argue that you are not as injured as you claim. This might include video footage of you performing physical activities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be Aware: Know that you might be under surveillance and act accordingly. Avoid activities that could be misinterpreted as evidence against your claim. For example, the insurance company will monitor your social media profiles and find pictures of you to argue that you are not as injured as you claim. To protect yourself, its best not to post any pictures at all during your claims process or at the very least ensure your profiles are private.
• Stay Consistent: Ensure that your statements about your injuries are consistent with your actions. Any discrepancies can be used against you.

Misleading Communication

Insurance adjusters might use confusing language or complex legal jargon to mislead you about your rights and the claims process. They might also pressure you to sign documents that waive your rights to further compensation.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Read Everything Carefully: Never sign any documents without fully understanding their implications. If in doubt, consult with your attorney.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any point that seems unclear or confusing.
• Legal Assistance: An attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the complexities of the insurance claims process.

Using Pre-Existing Conditions Against You

Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident. They will scrutinize your medical history in an attempt to find any evidence that could reduce their liability.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be Honest: Always be truthful about your medical history, but don’t let them use it to undermine your claim.
• Medical Documentation: Ensure that your healthcare providers clearly document how the accident has exacerbated any pre-existing conditions.

Contesting the Necessity of Medical Treatments

Another common tactic is to dispute the necessity or cost of your medical treatments. They might claim that certain treatments were unnecessary or overpriced, thereby reducing the amount they owe.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers.
• Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all treatments, including prescriptions, therapies, and consultations.
• Expert Opinions: If needed, obtain statements from medical experts to support the necessity of your treatments.

Conclusion

Navigating the aftermath of an accident is challenging enough without having to deal with the tricks and tactics employed by insurance companies. Understanding these common strategies and knowing how to counteract them can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. As an experienced accident attorney, my primary advice is to seek professional legal counsel. An attorney can help you protect your rights, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Remember, insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. They are not on your side, but with the right knowledge and support, you can level the playing field and secure the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in an accident and are facing challenges with your insurance claim, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance. Your future well-being may depend on it.

If you are injured in an accident, call Jaime “Mr. 786Abogado” Suarez today to Get You Paid!