The anxiety that comes with an auto accident, on top of dealing with its aftermath, can be overwhelming, and no one deserves to undergo such a scenario without any compensation. Regrettably, many victims find that insurance firms do everything they can to undervalue a claim.
Regardless of whether there are medical bills that need to be settled, income that has not been earned, or something that is not mentioned, understanding what is being done will help you stay safe. Working with experienced lawyers from Car Accident Attorney Olympia will help you prepare for what lies ahead.
What you have is only a small part of the explanation. Notwithstanding how far from the truth their statements may be, the conclusions they have made, and the actions they have undertaken, are an absolute reality of the world we live in.
Adjusters are paid to hold or pay the smallest claim possible, and their minds are programmed to do just that. Any claim is a heavy claim, and they will find ways even in the face of overwhelming evidence to clutch the purse. Adjusters are being taught to evolve the ‘wronged’ into a ‘guilty’ party.
The Strategies Most Frequently Used to Undervalue Auto Accident Claims
1. Early Settlement
It is not uncommon for a business to offer an early settlement within a short period after an accident. The early settlement stage is a critical offer that a business uses to save on a hefty compensation fee. Rather than spending days negotiating, you can take their money almost instantly. These claims are, however, usually way off the true value of the claim, which is especially true in cases where the claim poses complicated estimates.
2. Minimizing Medical Injuries
In case the insurer claims that they possess the medical documents that prove the injuries are less serious than they are, or that they existed long before the accident, they are more than likely dividing the injuries in terms of relevance. Many settlements require adequate medical proof in the form of documents that are missing in the weak claims below.
3. Disputing Liability
Claiming that you are not to blame for the accident is another tactic that can be used to reduce the claim’s value. Minimally slandering in fault is often enough to lower a claim.
4. Demanding Unnecessary Documentation
At times, heavy requests for paperwork after paperwork are common with insurance projections. Frequent requests for records are made. This circumvention strategy is designed to make you so unhappy that you agree to a lower settlement. Only highly trained attorneys will work to make this situation as efficient as possible, including only the most relevant pieces of information.
5. Surveillance of Your Movements
While it is uncommon, insurance firms are known to access social media accounts of an insured person or even hire a private detective. Evidence of physical activities of a person and mental claims barriers seem to be used to substantiate claims of fraud. For example, you may have a picture of yourself attending a family gathering insurers may argue this contradicts your injury claims.
6. Understating Damages to Property
If your car is undamaged or minimally so, insurance companies tend to argue that your injuries are less serious. This is a misinformed and flawed assumption. Severe injuries can happen even in a low-impact accident. To lower your claims, insurance companies will link the state of your car to your injuries and ignore any emotional damage suffered.
Consequences Associated With Accepting a Low Settlement
Accepting a low settlement can have a number of ramifications over a prolonged span of time. Typically, within the context of a legal proceeding, a party that accepts an offer or settlement forfeits its right to litigate the matter further, even if the initial settlement does not cover worsening conditions.
This means the injured party may have to endure further medical care, ongoing recovery, and a drain on finances due to lost productivity.
Settlement offers should, in all instances, be thoroughly assessed with a professional lawyer before acceptance.
What Can Be Done to Safeguard Oneself Against Insurance Strategies
1. Take Medical Advice as Soon as Possible
After a crash of any kind, your care should take top priority. Timely medical care not only establishes a pathway for successful treatment but also creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Create a Detailed Account
It is critical to establish comprehensive documentation that outlines medical procedures, expenses, lost income, and other costs directly linked to the accident. Insurance companies find it extremely difficult to contest a claim backed by solid documentation.
3. Request That the Recording Be Made Later
Insurance adjusters may try to ask questions within a strict framework, hoping you say something that can be used against you. Do not engage immediately. Wait until your lawyer sets the strategy before responding.
4. Don’t Rush Settlements
Trying to come to terms quickly can be detrimental. Settlements need to be reviewed for their long-term implications, including possible future medical expenses.
5. Retain Counsel Immediately
Attorneys know insurance company strategies and how to counter them. Their presence ensures a counter-strategy. If out-of-court negotiations fail, they are prepared to litigate for appropriate payment.
What Car Accident Lawyers Do
Your time is valuable; that is why there are specialists who negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. These specialists know how to estimate claims involving:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
They have the necessary resources and will not hesitate to confront judicial, administrative, and legislative powers to protect your interests.
Conclusion
While insurance companies might appear empathetic and helpful, the truth is, they thrive on not paying out claims. They go to great lengths to dismiss injuries and push low-ball settlements.
The best protection is to arm yourself with information, stay organized, and work with an attorney who knows how to counter their strategies.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from a collision, attempting to deal with it by yourself is not the solution. Contact Olympia Truck Accident Attorneys, who will safeguard your interests and make sure you get the payout you rightfully deserve.
