Insurance companies view you as a mere number, not a human being. Their objective is to maximize profits, which often means minimizing payouts to those injured in car accidents. It is imperative that you know these tricks so you can maximize your car accident injury claim settlement. Below are five common ways insurance companies will try to trick you during the handling of your car accident injury claim.
1. Early, Low Settlement Offers
A popular trick insurance companies use to minimize payouts is by offering an early, low settlement for your car accident injury case shortly after the accident. We’ve had many clients tell us that an insurance company offered them a seemingly tempting sum in the days following their accident. It’s very common for insurance companies to offer $500, $1,000, $5,000, or more to settle your claim shortly after your accident. This tactic takes advantage of the victim’s vulnerable state and the uncertainty surrounding the true cost of their injury. If an insurance company offers you a settlement shortly after your car accident, it is almost certainly a lowball settlement offer not worth taking because your claim is likely worth much more.
2. Delaying the Car Accident Injury Claims Process
Deliberately delaying the claims process is another sneaky tactic. The insurance company’s goal here is to wear you down, in the hope that you’ll accept a low settlement or even abandon your claim altogether.
We once had a client who spent months trying to handle her case alone. She was a passenger in a car accident and had no liability, but the at-fault driver’s insurance company dragged their feet. It was only after we came on board and initiated a lawsuit that the insurance company agreed to a six-figure policy limit payout.
3. Requesting a Recorded Statement
A common practice among insurance adjusters in car accident injury claims is to request a recorded statement over the phone after the accident, and before you hire a lawyer. Be aware that this statement can be used against you if your case goes to litigation. It’s crucial to consult a lawyer before providing such a statement. We recommend to our clients to never give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
4. Feigning Concern and Compassion
Don’t be fooled when the insurance adjuster on your car accident injury claim seems extraordinarily friendly and caring. They’re not calling to check up on you because they’re your friend. Their goal is to gain your trust and perhaps get you to reveal information that could harm your case and reduce the payout on your injury claim.
5. Discouraging You From Hiring a Lawyer
Lastly, insurance companies may try to dissuade you from hiring an injury lawyer. They might say things like “You have a simple case” or “We can just settle with you.” Remember, insurance companies prefer negotiating with non-lawyers, as they believe they can convince you to settle for less. Moreover, they know most non-lawyers don’t have the expertise to file a lawsuit or litigate a case. In truth, hiring a lawyer generally results in a much higher settlement, so don’t be fooled by this trick.
Hiring Us Can Help You Get Through Your Difficult Time Following Your Car Accident Injury
Meagher Injury Lawyers is a Kentucky injury law firm dedicated to those injured in accidents in Kentucky due to the carelessness of others. We exclusively practice personal injury law and pride ourselves on providing the personal touch on each client’s case that every client deserves. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Kentucky, consider having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
