People injured in motor vehicle crashes caused by another person or entity’s negligence are often entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that occurred as a result of the accident.
Victims in this unenviable position can expect to hear from the insurance company for the at-fault party. Unfortunately, people make the mistake of assuming the insurance company in question will treat them—and their claims—fairly.
This expectation doesn’t always comport with reality.
Like most businesses, the primary concern of insurance companies is to protect their bottom line. This doesn’t always equate to making sure injured accident victims receive the compensation they deserve.
To that end, representatives of insurance companies may employ a number of shady tactics in an attempt to reduce financial obligation to injured claimants, including:
- Calling too soon after an injury. Adjusters may do this to catch a victim off guard or get them to discuss injuries without knowing their full extent.
- Requesting a recorded statement. Adjusters may also claim that providing a recorded statement speeds up the claims process. It doesn’t, but statements of people compromised by injury or medication are often used against the claims.
- Asking the victim to sign a medical authorization. This tactic allows insurance adjusters to comb through a victim’s medical records in an attempt to blame injuries on something else. Medical authorizations should be limited to the time and scope of the accident care.
- Delaying and stalling to reduce compensation. Insurance representatives know that accidents often put victims in a tough spot financially. They may delay or stall, hoping a victim becomes so desperate for compensation, they’ll accept less than what they deserve—or even abandon their claim entirely.
- Disputing a portion of a victim’s medical treatment. Insurance companies may claim that a victim’s injuries weren’t serious enough to warrant the treatment they received.
- Misconstruing a victim’s social media posts. Adjusters often go through a victim’s social media account to misrepresent innocent posts, claiming they show the individual wasn’t seriously injured.
- Claiming that consulting an attorney isn’t necessary. Insurance adjusters may also imply that victims can resolve their claims without the assistance of an attorney. This is a dangerous proposition that benefits insurance companies while putting the wellbeing of accident victims in jeopardy.
Consult an Experienced Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, consulting an attorney is essential to protecting your rights. Don’t let unscrupulous insurance company tactics convince you to accept less than you deserve.
Contact the Accident and Injury Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.