Beware of These 5 Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters Against Injured Victims
Accident victims are often surprised to learn that insurance companies and their adjusters don’t always have their best interests in mind. During this vulnerable time, they may use several tactics to minimize or outright deny claims. You may feel pressured to accept a low offer, causing you to settle for less than you deserve.
Awareness of the strategies used by insurance adjusters and working with a skilled Wisconsin personal injury lawyer can help you safeguard your rights and secure maximum compensation. Discover the five most common tactics used by insurance adjusters to lessen or deny your claim:
After an accident, you may face mounting medical bills, repair costs, and other unexpected expenses. During this financially stressful time, insurance adjusters may swoop in with a quick settlement offer that, at first glance, might seem like a lifeline.
These offers are generally lower than you are entitled to — aimed at quickly closing the claim while minimizing the payout from the insurance company’s end. The strategy plays on your vulnerable state, hoping your need for immediate financial relief causes you to settle for less.
An experienced attorney is your best defense against these tactics. They can evaluate the full extent of your damages to ensure you get a fair settlement. With a thorough understanding of your losses, they can negotiate with the insurance company, asking them to reconsider their initial lowball offer.
Adjusters often engage accident victims in long and seemingly harmless conversations. The goal is to build a rapport with you, present the insurance company in a favorable light, and subtly encourage you to provide statements or admissions that could potentially damage your claim.
This could include admitting partial fault or downplaying the extent of the injuries. Once recorded, these admissions can be used to discredit your account and reduce the potential payout.
Stay cautious when engaging with insurance adjusters. Focus on the factual details of the incident, and don’t share personal viewpoints or speculative statements that could be used against you later.
While it’s essential to cooperate with insurance adjusters, remember that their primary goal is to safeguard the insurance company’s financial interests. An attorney can stand up for your rights, handle communication with adjusters, or advise you on what to say if you need to make a statement. This evens the playing field and helps you maintain the integrity of your claim.
When dealing with an insurance claim, be wary of what you post on your social media. Insurance companies frequently scour your profiles, looking for photos, updates, or check-ins that they might twist to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim or that you’re doing things inconsistent with your injuries.
For instance, you’ve claimed a back injury but posted a picture of yourself hiking. Even if you’re in pain and only walked for a short time, the insurance company might use that image to challenge your claim’s validity.
Stay off social media until your claim is settled. Speak with an attorney who can guide you on best practices to limit your digital footprint and prevent an insurer from snooping and using your posts against you.
Insurance adjusters may claim that your injuries were pre-existing and not a result of the accident. They do this to avoid compensating you for the full cost of your injury or the aspects worsened by the crash.
For example, you had a previous knee injury and then suffered a car accident that worsened the condition. The adjuster might argue that the issues with your knee were not due to the recent event, refusing to pay for medications, physical therapy, or surgeries.
Be ready with medical records, photographs, or diary entries that link your injuries to the accident and show how it has worsened since the crash. Work closely with an attorney who can help you gather documentation and expert medical testimonies to help you receive what you’re owed.
Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process, hoping you’ll tire out and abandon your pursuit. This prolonged wait exhausts your patience and determination and can bring your claim dangerously close to legal time constraints.
To protect yourself from this tactic, maintain a thorough record of all communications and medical treatments associated with your claim. Document every email, call, and medical visit, as they serve as evidence of your ongoing efforts.
Securing an attorney can safeguard against this situation. Your representation can apply legal pressure, file the necessary motions to expedite the process, and ensure the insurance company adheres to all legal deadlines, preventing unnecessary stalling.
Get Skilled Legal Representation for Your Case
When facing powerful insurance companies, having representation that protects your interests is essential. Our legal team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers has the skill and experience to protect your rights against aggressive or misleading insurance companies.
We will advise you when the insurer offers a lowball settlement and help you receive the compensation you truly deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us work on your behalf to win you a fair settlement for your injuries.