Everybody believes the insurance provider will handle the claim reasonably when they are injured in an accident. Though insurers are commercial entities, they want to pay out as little money as possible to maintain their profitability. Understanding their approach to contesting claims for damages will enable you to safeguard your rights and get the settlement you deserve. Here are five techniques insurers frequently utilize to dispute or cut down on injury claims.
Disputing Liability
Even in what seems to be an apparent fault, insurance adjusters may argue that their policyholders were not entirely at fault. This can lead to delaying the claim process or accepting a reduced settlement if they make you think you were partially at fault.
Insurers may also try to put the fault on the hurt party. They can even take statements or evidence that support them, perhaps out of context. One should exercise care when speaking with an insurance agent and not make any statements that could be used to determine fault.
Delaying the Claims Process
By delaying the claim process, insurance firms expect that injured victims will become desperate and accept whatever is provided to them. These delays may involve asking for unnecessary paperwork, requesting the same documents over and over again, or taking a long time to reply to queries.
These strategies can be particularly infuriating when medical bills and lost income are mounting. Most victims seek the help of personal injury lawyers who may speed up the process and make sure the insurance company stays in line when this occurs. Having a seasoned representative negotiating on your behalf can also highlight oversights before they turn expensive and strengthen your negotiating position.
Downplaying Injuries
The insurance companies usually contest that the damages are not as bad as described or were pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident. This is with a view to reducing the extent of compensation they have to pay for hospitalization and other losses.
To assist in making this strategy successful, they can request to review your full medical record as a way to find something that will discredit your claim. That is why it is always best to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep complete, accurate medical records that unequivocally link your injuries to the accident.
Offering Quick, Lowball Settlements
Insurance companies usually make a quick but small offer soon after the accident. Though tempting, particularly when faced with initial costs, this offer is never the actual value of your claim. Taking this type of offer will usually mean that you are relinquishing your right to lodge further claims on the injury.
This is a strategy that takes advantage of victims’ vulnerability in the days immediately after the traumatic experience. It is better to wait and know the scope of your damages and associated costs before taking an offer. Consulting with lawyers or doctors prior to accepting an offer can avoid future remorse.
Employing Recorded Statements Against You
Insurance adjusters also often request that claimants give them recorded statements. While this seems like the norm, it is a ploy to cause you to make a statement that can be used to deny or lower your claim. Even minor discrepancies between what you say and what will be used against you.
It’s in your best interest to decline to give a recorded statement without the presence of an attorney. Insurers are master questioners, and what sounds like a benign comment can be crafted to ruin your case.
Endnote
Knowing how insurance companies run will help you approach the claims procedure with more self-assurance. Understanding these conventional customs helps you to be a superior guardian of your rights and a barrier to exploitation. Seeking expert counsel when faced with uncertainty can significantly affect the result of your case.