10 Ways Insurance Companies Fight Car Accident Claims
You have the right, if you are injured in an accident caused by someone else, to claim compensation for your injuries. Unfortunately, many injured victims are unaware of the full extent to which their rights extend. Insurance companies know how to exploit this. Insurance companies use a number of different tactics to try and deny or devalue claims relating to car accidents.
We’ll discuss some of the ways that the insurance company for the driver at fault may attempt to deny you your rights to compensation. By being aware of these tactics, you can prepare yourself and protect your rights. A car accident attorney can help you with this.
1. Calling You Right After an Accident
The insurance company of the other driver may try to contact you very soon after an accident. It can even be the day after or the day of the accident. There are some sketchy reasons why they call, even if it seems harmless and friendly.
- They understand that you feel vulnerable and uncertain after a traumatizing accident.
- You won’t have enough time to check your injuries or determine the extent of your damages.
- They will call you before you have had the chance to consult an attorney who can give you advice on what you should do.
You are in a difficult situation, and an insurance company may take advantage of that. You might be asked how you feel and the person on your other end of the line may try to build trust. Most people will reply “I am fine” or “I am okay” to this question. It is probably a relief for them to talk to someone who cares, but you should be cautious.
They are not your friends, even if they seem friendly. You could be held accountable for anything you say during this call. It’s possible that they hope to instill trust so you settle the case immediately. This is not always best for you. It’s better to speak to an accident lawyer first before answering any calls from other drivers’ insurance companies.
2. Slow to Process Your Claim
The insurance companies will contact you immediately after an accident. On the other hand they might take a long time to respond to your claim.
The insurance company may take a long time to respond and get details about your accident-related personal injury claim. It is hoped that the delay will make you tired and more willing to settle for a smaller settlement or give up.
3. Lowball Settlements
After a car crash, the days and hours that follow are stressful. Accidents can be expensive. Even minor injuries can quickly become expensive. You’ll also have to pay for the totaled or badly damaged car. You’re also losing your trusted mode of transportation for work and other commitments.
Insurance companies will be aware that you are probably already stressed out about money. You might be offered a settlement right away. This is usually $1000 or less. These low settlement offers are unlikely to cover your damages. It might be tempting to take the first offer of money, but you should wait until you are able to negotiate a fair settlement.
4. Refusing to Accept or Deny All of the Liability
In Georgia, all damages are the responsibility of the party at fault in an accident. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated SS51-12-4 gives car accident victims the right to sue the driver at fault for compensation.
Georgia has laws that allow damages to be shared based on comparative fault. According to OCGA SS51-12-33, if a driver is less than 50% at fault for a car crash, the party can seek compensation. This law is sometimes used by insurance companies against you.
They may even deny that they were at fault for the accident. They may try to blame you for part of the accident in order to get you accept responsibility. This could lead you to believe that you do not deserve the full compensation.
5. Claiming that Your injuries were Not Caused by the Accident
The only damages that you can legally claim are those resulting directly from the accident. The insurance company may try to claim that your injuries occurred before or after the car accident.
After a car crash, it’s important to consult a doctor. If you don’t, the insurance company may question whether your injuries were caused by the accident.
6. Requesting a Recorded Statement
If you are contacted by an insurance company after a crash, you may be asked to record a statement regarding the accident and the damages you have suffered. You may be asked about your injuries. This is dangerous because you don’t know the full extent of them.
7. Sending You to a Biased Doctor
It may be necessary to have your medical condition evaluated by the doctor chosen by your insurance company. This doctor may be biased in favor of the insurance company, so you might not receive a thorough and fair evaluation. An auto accident lawyer can ensure that any doctor you visit is suitable for your injuries and the circumstances.
8. Encouraging You to Sign a Release
You’ll have to sign a release in order to receive any money from your insurance company. If you accept a settlement for your damages, this is acceptable. The insurance company may try to force you to sign documents before you’re ready.
An attorney for car accidents can ensure that you only sign documents when it is in your best interest. You could lose out on more money if you sign anything.
9. Making it Look Like Certain Damages are Not Available
Insurance companies may claim that certain damages, like pain and suffering or loss of wages, are not available. It’s likely not true and is a tactic to try to get you accept less.
10. Discouraging You From Hiring an Attorney
Insurance companies know that you will have a better chance to win the compensation you deserve if hire an attorney. A lawyer evens the playing field. Insurance adjusters may try to tell you that a lawyer will not be worth it or that they cannot offer a better settlement.
Don’t trust your insurance company. You should contact a car accident attorney who will be by your side right from the start.
Insurance Companies are Not on Your Side
You should remember that insurance companies will never be your friends. They are just businesses. They may appear benevolent, but that is just a ploy to get you to accept the settlement.
You don’t gain anything by going along with your insurance company. Insurance companies only benefit when you receive less compensation than you deserve. Never feel like you are in a bind when trying to recover a settlement. Let our lawyers help you today.
Is it possible to fight for my settlement on my own?
You can certainly fight on your behalf, but you will also have to deal with your insurance company. This will be very difficult if you do not have legal experience or knowledge. There’s a good reason why your insurance company won’t allow you to hire a lawyer.
Our attorneys are experts who can help you win your case through:
- Evidence is important to support your claim.
- We will represent you and your interests in negotiations or at trial.
- Ensure you receive the right medical treatment.
- Get expert witness testimony and consult with experts to help you.
- Handling your communication with others.
- You should review all settlement offers and make sure that you are covered for all your damages.
The Jewkes Firm has helped many car accident victims receive a fair settlement. We won’t let the insurance company take advantage. We do not charge any upfront fees and only get paid when we are successful in obtaining compensation for you.
Receive a free consultation with a Georgia car accident lawyer
We will not back down from insurance companies or their tactics. Since over 15 years we have helped car accident victims to get the money that they deserve and need. You can get help from us, too. We offer a free consultation. To schedule an appointment, call us or contact us online.
