Accident Insurance Company Tactics
After you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligent actions of another, you expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Insurance company commercials promise to make claimants “whole again” as quickly and effortlessly as possible. However, car accident insurance companies are for-profit enterprises that generate profits by taking in as many monthly auto insurance premiums as possible and growing their customer base while at the same time delaying, denying, and diminishing payouts to maintain those profits. When you or a loved one are harmed in a motor vehicle collision, there are several tactics that insurance company adjusters commonly use to dissuade claimants from demanding and receiving full compensation for their losses.
At Parker Waichman LLP, our legal professionals have encountered all of the tricks of the trade, and we fight hard to recover total compensation and justice on behalf of our clients.
The following are a few examples of how some insurance company adjusters are trained to bilk accident injury victims out of a fair and reasonable recovery. Our firm believes that these tactics are not only unfair but are borderline criminal. The following techniques and tactics are used to undermine the true value of an accident victim’s claim.
They Persuade Claimants Not to Have Their Accident Claim Reviewed by an Attorney.
Our clients often find themselves dealing with an overzealous insurance company adjuster who tries to talk the accident victim out of speaking to an attorney. Insurance company accident adjusters often tell claimants that by hiring an attorney, the claims process will slow down, or the adjuster will be required to stop working their claim. In many circumstances, the adjuster will tell a claimant that their company has already agreed to pay the full policy limits. By retaining an attorney, the claimant would lose money due to legal fees. However, this is very misleading because most claimants don’t understand how much their case is genuinely valued or about the various insurance coverages that could be available to the claimant that is often not disclosed by insurance companies. Moreover, attorneys are paid based on a percentage of the total recovery. Therefore, it is in the best interest of an attorney to fight for as much compensation for his or her client.
They Ask Claimants to Provide a Recorded Statement
After an accident, people’s emotions run high, and it can be difficult to notice when an insurance company representative is asking leading questions or is attempting to manipulate your words to diminish the value of your claim. For example, when the claimant makes the call to the insurance company regarding the accident, the insurance representative will seem very friendly and state, “I hope everyone is OK.” In most cases, people who have been in an accident feel relieved to know that the occupants in their vehicle or in the other vehicle survived the accident. So, it is perfectly normal that the claimant will answer with “Yes. Everyone is OK.” However, that doesn’t mean no one was hurt. Unfortunately, that answer could be used by the insurance company to deny paying medical bills and could be used as evidence to defend against an injury lawsuit if the case goes to trial. It is often better for an accident victim to engage an attorney as quickly as possible if involved in an accident with severe injuries or death.
Delaying the Claims Process to “Run Out the Clock”
Every state has a set of laws that protects the legal rights of accident victims. The statutes are also designed to make legal matters fair for both parties involved and a legal matter. One particular statute that is extremely important to understand is called the statute of limitations. These special laws limit the timeframe in which a claimant may pursue a lawsuit to recover monetary damages against the at-fault party. And some insurance policy agreements, there may be additional time deadlines that must be met in order to recover compensation. If you were a loved one who has been involved in an auto accident, there might be many thousands or tens of thousands of dollars at stake. Therefore, it is a good idea to have your case reviewed, at no charge, by a qualified and experienced auto accident attorney. These consultations are typically offered at no charge or obligation.
If you were a loved one who has been involved in any motor vehicle accident, it’s important that you contact an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney as quickly as possible. The advice will be invaluable, and it is important to understand your legal rights and to avoid accidentally making statements that could damage your recovery.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
Did you sustain injuries in an accident? Parker Waichman LLP helps families of the victims receive justice and full monetary compensation for harm caused by negligence. Trust your case with our accident lawyers. For a free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
