If you’ve been injured in an accident, you likely expect the insurance company to review the facts and compensate you fairly.
However, this is not necessarily how the case plays out.
Like every other business, insurance companies aim to cut costs, and they often put measures in place to ensure they spend as little as possible when settling personal injury claims.
Not every insurance company engages in dishonest practices, but it pays to know some of the strategies they adopt so as not to be caught unaware.
Here are a few techniques that insurers may use to devalue or deny your personal injury claim.
1. Prompt You to Accept a Settlement
After an accident, it can feel like a relief when the insurance company offers you money right away.
However, this offer is usually inadequate compared to how much your case can be worth.
Some symptoms may not be immediately apparent, and your medical bills can keep piling up.
The worst part is that once you’ve accepted the settlement, you cannot ask for more money later on.
Before you sign any documents, it is recommended that you double-check whether the compensation actually equals your losses.
This is why many people choose to work with reliable lawyers from reputable firms such as Davies Hothem Injury Law.
An experienced attorney will review your settlement offer and calculate the full value of your damages.
This helps avoid accepting an offer that does not cover both your current and future losses.
2. Attempt to Minimize Your Injuries
Insurance firms could claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
If you took a few days before consulting a doctor or failed to follow through on any advice they provided, they could view it as an indication that your injury wasn’t that bad.
This is why you need to seek medical treatment without delay and follow the doctor’s orders closely.
A consistent record will reduce the insurer’s ability to dispute how serious your injuries are.
3. Look for Statements They Can Use Against You
After an accident, insurance adjusters rarely hesitate in asking whether they can record your statement.
While this may sound like a normal chat, it is also an opportunity to get something that can neutralize your claim.
Even something that seems trivial, like saying ‘I’m feeling better,’ may become twisted against you later.
It is essential to weigh the costs and benefits of making any statements.
Before giving a recorded statement, it is best to speak with your attorney to help avoid making statements that can weaken your case.
Many people are shocked to discover that insurance companies often look up public social media profiles.
Pictures taken at family gatherings or vacations do not provide any important information about the issue, but can be used as evidence that your injuries do not limit you.
Even normal posts can be misinterpreted.
If you want to fight your case, it is best to be careful with your online posts until you are sure that your case has been successfully resolved.
5. Disputing Liability
Even when fault appears obvious, insurers can attempt to shift some or all of the blame to you.
They may say that you contributed to the accident by:
- Failing to pay attention
- Ignoring traffic rules
- Acting carelessly
Assigning even partial fault to you can reduce the compensation you receive, especially if you are in a state that follows comparative negligence rules.
Some insurers thoroughly analyze accident reports, witness statements, or photographs to support these arguments.
You can easily counter these claims by gathering strong evidence.
Surveillance footage, police reports, and expert accident reconstruction can help strengthen your position and establish liability.
6. Request More Documentation Than Required
It is appropriate for an insurer to seek documents that verify your claim.
However, at times, the request becomes exaggerated.
You may be called to produce years’ worth of medical documentation, duplicate pieces of paperwork, or information of little relevance to your accident.
Apart from prolonging the process, this may discourage the claimants.
When you have all documentation readily available, it is much easier to respond to the request for more documents when appropriate.
Endnote
Filing a personal injury claim can be a stressful process, particularly when you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
While insurance companies are experienced with submissions, you don’t need to go through the process without preparation.
Being aware of the strategies that are often employed by companies allows you to safeguard your interests.
You will also be equipped to claim the damages that you rightfully deserve.
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