Insurance companies are often seen as a safety net when life takes a turn for the worse. Yet, many victims of a collision find that getting the financial support they need is often more difficult and frustrating than anticipated. You might wonder, “I pay premiums for peace of mind—why would my insurance company work against me?” The reality is that insurance companies are businesses that make money when they collect premiums and lose money when they pay claims. The goal in order to be profitable is to minimize payouts. To achieve this, they use a range of strategies that can make navigating your claim a challenging, and frustrating, ordeal.
If you are in a collision, it’s crucial to be aware of a few key factors when dealing with insurance companies:
1. Avoid Giving Statements Early On: Immediately after a collision, the other driver’s insurance company will likely ask for a written or recorded statement. Avoid giving one until you’ve consulted an attorney. Adjusters are skilled at asking leading questions designed to get you to make statements that could weaken your claim.
2. Don’t Rush to Accept the First Offer: Slow down. It’s usually less than your claim’s true value. Insurance companies might pressure you to accept an offer quickly, before you’ve had a chance to fully grasp the extent of your damages or the long-term effects on your life including future medical bills and lost wages. Remember, you’re not obligated to accept it and have the right to negotiate for a fair amount.
3. Challenge Unfair Claims About Your Treatment: They might argue that your treatment was unnecessary or not matched to the severity of your injuries, or they may suggest that your condition was preexisting and not caused by the crash. Don’t be intimidated—these are tactics to shift the financial responsibility away from them.
4. Be Prepared for Delays: They’ll try to delay your claim to wear you down, hoping you’ll give in due to financial necessity or stress. This might involve requesting additional paperwork or statements to slow the process and increase your frustration. Stay persistent and keep track of all communications to protect your interests. The system regularly takes time to do every little thing, even simple tasks. Be patient and prepare for the long haul.
5. Watch for Surveillance: Insurers may monitor your daily activities through private investigators or social media to find evidence that your injuries are less severe than claimed. Ensure your statements are consistent and follow all medical advice. Avoid activities that could worsen your injury or appear inconsistent with your reported condition. For more information on social media use, see our post on the topic: Anything You Post Can and Will Be Used Against You
Navigating the aftermath of a collision can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Being well-informed and cautious when engaging with them can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone; consulting with a personal injury attorney can provide valuable guidance and support, helping you to secure the compensation you deserve and effectively manage the complexities of your claim. Confused or wanting extra help? Finderson Law LLC offers free consultations to discuss your case. Give our firm a call at (260) 420-8600, use the chat box on our website, or text us using the website link!
We are always here to help bring our clients comfort, hope and ease regarding the complications of the law. As attorney Roger Finderson is now licensed in Florida, we are happy to help Floridians alongside our Hoosiers in every way.
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