BEAT The Worst Insurance Companies
Dealing with difficult insurance companies after an injury can feel like an uphill battle. If you want a fair payout from some of the worst insurers—like Liberty Mutual, Allstate, or Safeco—you need to follow a strategic approach. This process often takes time and persistence, but as my client Rachel’s case shows, it’s possible to prevail.
(Note: Rachel’s story is based on true events, but her name has been changed to protect her privacy.)
Rachel’s Story: Fighting Liberty Mutual
Rachel was in a rear-end collision caused by an inattentive driver. While she didn’t need an ambulance immediately after the accident, she went to the hospital later that day with injuries to her head, left hand, neck, left knee, shoulders, and lower back. Diagnostic testing showed no fractures, and her hospital stay was brief. Rachel continued treatment with physical therapy and pain management for several months before her recovery.
Once Rachel finished treatment, my office gathered her medical records and bills. We sent a written demand to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, Liberty Mutual, for the policy limits. Their initial response? A lowball offer of less than $17,000.
The Battle Against a Lowball Offer
Liberty Mutual is notoriously difficult to deal with in injury claims. Their lowball offers are a tactic to test how much you’re willing to fight for fair compensation. Knowing this, I filed a lawsuit on Rachel’s behalf to put pressure on the insurer.
- Litigation Begins: Liberty Mutual assigned a defense attorney to the case. Shortly after, the defense lawyer suggested mediation, but we declined early mediation to maintain leverage.
- Deposition and Trial Prep: After Rachel’s deposition, the defense again requested mediation, which we still refused. It wasn’t until the judge ordered mediation as part of the trial process that we agreed to participate.
- Building the Case: Before mediation, I secured a detailed report from one of Rachel’s doctors outlining the severity and impact of her injuries. This report significantly strengthened her claim and helped increase the value of her case.
Settlement Achieved
With the trial date approaching, Liberty Mutual began to feel the pressure. At the court-ordered mediation, just one month before trial, we settled Rachel’s case for over five times the initial offer. Combined with her $10,000 in no-fault benefits, Rachel’s total recovery was nearly $100,000.
This result wouldn’t have been possible without pushing the case toward trial. Liberty Mutual—and many other insurers—rarely offer fair settlements without being forced to.
How to Beat the Worst Insurance Companies
Fighting the worst insurance companies requires persistence and strategy. Here are the key takeaways:
- File a Lawsuit: Filing a lawsuit shows the insurer you’re serious and applies pressure, but it’s only the beginning.
- Push Toward Trial: Insurers often drag their feet until a trial date looms. As trial approaches, the risk of a jury awarding a larger amount motivates them to offer a better settlement.
- Build a Strong Case: Gather evidence, medical reports, and expert opinions to strengthen your claim.
- Don’t Settle Early: Avoid settling too early in litigation. Insurers may make lowball offers early on, hoping you’ll accept to avoid the hassle of a long process.
The closer you get to trial, the more likely the insurance company will offer a reasonable settlement to avoid the uncertainty and costs of a jury verdict.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurers like Liberty Mutual can be challenging, but with persistence and a strategic approach, you can push for fair compensation. Remember, the process takes time, but it’s worth it to avoid being taken advantage of by companies looking to settle your case for less than it’s worth.
Disclaimer: This blog is not legal advice. Always consult a lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
