After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. While their advertisements may suggest they’re on your side, the reality is that their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Understanding common tactics used by insurance companies and how a car accident lawyer can protect you is crucial to ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
- Offering Quick Settlements
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly, offering a low amount to resolve the matter before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. These initial offers are rarely enough to cover long-term medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. - Disputing Liability
Insurers may argue that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident to reduce or deny your claim. Without strong evidence, it can be difficult to counter their arguments effectively. - Delaying the Process
Insurance companies know that time can pressure claimants into accepting lower offers. They may delay communication, requests for documentation, or claim processing to frustrate you into settling quickly. - Requesting Recorded Statements
Adjusters often ask for recorded statements about the accident. While this may seem like a routine request, they’re looking for inconsistencies or statements that can be used to minimize your claim. - Downplaying Injuries
As our friends at Davis & Brusca, LLC can attest, insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or suggest they were pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident. They might require independent medical exams (IMEs) conducted by doctors aligned with their interests to challenge your claims.
How A Car Accident Lawyer Protects You
- Expert Negotiation
A car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They’re familiar with the tactics insurers use and can effectively counter lowball offers or attempts to deny liability. - Building a Strong Case
Lawyers gather and organize the necessary evidence to support your claim, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and even expert testimony. This strengthens your case and reduces the chances of the insurance company disputing it. - Accurate Valuation of Your Claim
Determining the full value of your claim goes beyond immediate expenses. A lawyer will consider future medical costs, lost earning capacity, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering to ensure you seek appropriate compensation. - Protecting Your Rights
An experienced lawyer acts as a shield between you and the insurance company, managing all communications. This prevents adjusters from using your statements against you and ensures that you aren’t pressured into accepting an unfair offer. - Pursuing Legal Action if Necessary
If negotiations don’t lead to a fair resolution, a lawyer can take your case to court. The willingness to litigate often compels insurance companies to settle fairly to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
Insurance companies are skilled at protecting their interests, but a car accident lawyer ensures your rights are upheld. By understanding their tactics and partnering with experienced legal counsel, you can level the playing field and secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been in a car accident and need support, contact a car accident lawyer today.