Be Ready: Insurance Company Tactics to Expect After an Auto Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’ll likely find yourself dealing with an insurance company. While their goal is to settle claims, they are also a business focused on minimizing costs. Understanding their tactics can help you avoid mistakes and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know about insurance companies’ strategies after an auto accident.
1. The Friendly Approach: They Seem Concerned, But They’re Gathering Information
Once you file a claim, the insurance company will likely contact you. They might seem friendly and concerned about your well-being. But their goal is to collect information that could work against you later.
What to Do: Limit your conversation with the adjuster. Stick to the basics and avoid giving detailed statements. Anything you say could potentially lower your claim value. Always consult with your attorney before providing any information.
2. Quick Settlements: They Want to Settle Fast, But Don’t Take the First Offer
Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement. This may sound like an easy solution, but the first offer is rarely fair. It’s usually much lower than what you’re actually entitled to, especially when considering future medical costs or long-term wages lost.
What to Do: Never accept the first offer. It’s essential to consult with an attorney first. They can help assess the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer can negotiate a better settlement that covers all your expenses.
3. Minimizing Liability: They’ll Try to Shift Blame
Insurance adjusters often try to reduce their payout by minimizing their client’s liability. They might argue that your injuries aren’t severe, your vehicle damage is less than you claim, or that you’re partially at fault for the accident.
What to Do: Be prepared for the insurer to challenge your claim. Document everything. Keep track of your injuries, photos of the accident scene, and witness statements. If the insurer tries to shift blame, your evidence can help strengthen your case and prove fault.
4. Delays: They Use Time to Wear You Down
Insurance companies may delay your claim. They might take their time obtaining your medical records, drag out paperwork, or slow down the overall process. This tactic is meant to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement because you might feel desperate.
What to Do: Stay persistent. Keep track of deadlines and stay on top of the process. If the insurer delays your claim, your attorney can step in to keep things moving and make sure you don’t lose out on a fair settlement.
5. Recorded Statements: They’ll Ask Questions to Undermine Your Claim
Insurance adjusters may ask you to make a recorded statement. These statements could later be used to undermine your claim. They might ask questions designed to minimize your injuries, your accident, or your recovery. It’s important to be cautious when giving information.
What to Do: Before speaking to the insurance company, consult with your attorney. They can guide you through what to say and what to avoid. An attorney will help you handle recorded statements and ensure you don’t accidentally weaken your case.
6. The “Quick Fix” of Lowball Offers
Some insurance companies might offer a small settlement upfront. This “quick fix” is meant to get you to accept less than what you truly deserve. While this may seem like an easy resolution, it’s almost always too low to cover your total damages.
What to Do: Never rush into a decision. Consult your attorney to make sure the settlement offer covers all of your losses. With the right legal advice, you can avoid being pressured into settling for too little.
7. Investigating Your Case: They’ll Look for Gaps in Your Story
Insurance companies often look for gaps in your version of the accident. They may point out inconsistencies or question your injuries’ severity. This strategy is meant to weaken your case and reduce your compensation.
What to Do: Stick to the facts. Provide consistent details about the accident. If there are discrepancies, your attorney can help address them. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
Conclusion:
Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be frustrating. Be aware of their tactics, like trying to settle quickly, shifting blame, or using delays. Always take steps to protect yourself by documenting everything, consulting your attorney before making statements, and being patient with the process. Insurance companies may not have your best interests at heart, but with the right legal support, you can ensure you get the compensation you deserve.