After a car accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and frustrating. While their role is to provide financial compensation for damages and injuries, insurance companies often prioritize minimizing the amount they pay out on a car accident claim. They employ a range of tactics designed to reduce claims, delay settlements, and offer less than what victims rightfully deserve.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the tactics insurance companies use to minimize car accident claims and explain how an experienced Raleigh car accident lawyer can help you secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often employ several tactics designed to minimize the compensation they pay to accident victims during the claims process insurance companies follow. Being aware of these strategies is crucial to protecting your rights and securing a fair settlement.
Quick, Low Settlement Offers
One of the most common tactics is offering a quick settlement shortly after the accident. Insurance adjusters will often try to settle the claim before the full extent of injuries or damages is known. These early offers are typically lower than what the victim deserves, aiming to close the case before the injured party fully understands the long-term impact of their injuries.
Disputing Liability
Insurance companies may attempt to dispute who is at fault in the accident. They could argue that their policyholder was not responsible or that the injured party contributed to the accident. By leveraging contributory negligence laws in certain states, they may try to reduce or eliminate the victim’s compensation. This can be particularly problematic if the injured party is not prepared with sufficient evidence to defend their claim.
Undervaluing Injuries
Another common tactic involves downplaying the severity of the victim’s injuries. Insurance companies may rely on incomplete medical records or insufficient evidence to argue that the injuries are less severe than claimed. They might also dismiss the need for ongoing treatment, limiting the payout for medical expenses and other damages.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies sometimes delay the processing of an injury claim, hoping that the victim will become frustrated and settle for a lower amount. These delays can cause financial strain, especially if medical bills and lost wages are piling up. A car accident lawyer can help manage these delays and keep the claim moving forward, ensuring that the victim’s case is not neglected or stalled.
The Importance of Documenting Everything
Proper documentation is essential in building a strong insurance claim after a car accident. It can make the difference between a successful settlement and an inadequate payout.
Medical Records and Treatment Plans
Victims should keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and follow-up care. These records provide evidence of the extent of injuries and the necessary recovery process. Having a comprehensive file of medical documentation helps prevent the insurance company from undervaluing or dismissing injuries.
Communication with the Insurance Company
Every interaction with the insurance company should be documented, including phone calls, emails, and letters. This ensures that there is a clear record of what was discussed and agreed upon at each stage of the claims process. Documentation can also protect the victim from claims that certain information was not provided or shared.
Expenses and Financial Losses
It is important to keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages. Detailed financial records help quantify the full impact of the accident, making it more difficult for the insurance company to offer a low settlement. These documents reinforce the claim and show the real financial burden the victim has faced.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Protecting Your Rights
An experienced attorney plays a crucial role in safeguarding your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation. Their expertise helps navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies.
Gathering Evidence
A car accident lawyer will help collect and organize the necessary evidence to support your claim. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant documentation. By building a solid case, the lawyer makes it more difficult for the insurance company to dispute liability or undervalue injuries.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Experienced lawyers understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters to minimize payouts. They will handle negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement offer is fair and reflects the full extent of your injuries and damages. If the insurance company offers an unfair settlement, the lawyer can push back and continue negotiations.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If negotiations fail or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent your case in court. This step often prompts more serious negotiations from the insurer, as they know the lawyer is prepared to take the case further. In court, a lawyer will present your case with the strongest possible arguments to ensure your rights are protected.
What to Do if You’ve Been Offered a Low Settlement
Receiving a low settlement offer can be frustrating, but it’s important to take the right steps to ensure your claim is valued fairly. Here’s how to proceed if the insurance company presents an inadequate offer.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
Before accepting any settlement, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced lawyer. They can review the offer and determine if it’s fair based on the extent of your injuries, damages, and other factors. An experienced lawyer will provide guidance on whether to negotiate for a better offer or take further action.
Gather Medical Records and Evidence
Ensure that you have complete medical records and documentation of your injuries, treatments, and prognosis. If the initial settlement does not account for ongoing medical care or future expenses, this evidence can be used to support your case for a higher payout. The stronger your documentation, the more leverage you have in negotiations.
Seek a Second Opinion
If you’re unsure about the value of the settlement offer, it’s a good idea to seek a second opinion, either from another lawyer or a financial expert. This helps you understand whether the offer adequately covers your expenses, both now and in the future. A second opinion may reinforce the need to push for more compensation.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
If the offer is too low, a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will use the gathered evidence and documentation to argue for a more appropriate settlement that reflects your full losses and future needs. A well-prepared lawyer will increase your chances of securing a fair deal.
Speak With an Experienced Raleigh Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and feel the insurance company is offering less than you deserve, car accident victims should not settle for less. Our team at Mogy Law has the experience and dedication to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
Contact us at (901) 443-9133 for a free claim review!
