The Truth About Insurance Companies and Their Tactics

Insurance is supposed to provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. But what happens when the insurance company you’ve trusted to have your back decides to put its bottom line ahead of your best interests?

If you’ve been injured and are dealing with insurance company tactics, knowing the essential do’s and don’ts after an accident first can help protect your health, strengthen your claim, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Miley Legal Group is here to help to ensure you don’t go through it alone.

The Truth About Insurance

Insurance is one of the only products we pay for that actively works against us when we need it most.

These companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and experts whose sole job is to minimize or deny your claim. They know all the loopholes, and they use every trick in the book to keep their money in their pockets instead of giving you what you deserve.

The Role of Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are professionals who work for insurance companies to assess the extent of the damages incurred in a personal injury claim, investigate the claimant’s story and circumstances, and ultimately decide on the amount of compensation that should be paid out.

The main goal of an insurance adjuster is to protect the interests of the insurance company they work for by minimizing the payout on a claim.

They will carefully investigate every aspect of the claim to ensure that the insurance company is not paying more than necessary. This may involve questioning the claimant, reviewing medical records and bills, and even hiring investigators to gather additional information.

It is important to understand that insurance adjusters are not on your side.

They are working for the insurance company, and their goal is to protect that company’s interests… not yours! This is why it is crucial to be aware of the tactics that insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts and protect yourself accordingly.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Lowball offers — The insurance companies offer a lower settlement than the actual value of the claim.
• Delaying tactics — Insurance companies may drag out the claims process by asking for additional information or documentation.
• Denial of claims — May deny a claim outright, claiming that it does not meet the policy requirements or that the damage was not caused by the event in question.
• Blaming the victim — Insurance companies may try to shift the blame onto the claimant, claiming that they were responsible for the accident or injury in question.
• Misrepresenting the law — Insurance companies may use legal jargon and technicalities to confuse or intimidate claimants into accepting a lower settlement than they are entitled to.

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How Insurance Companies Are Trying to Undercut Your Claim

1. Medical Release Forms: A Trap in Disguise

After a crash, the insurance company may send you a few innocent-looking forms to sign.

Among them is a medical release that allows them to access your personal medical records. They don’t need all of that information. You should only provide medical records related to the injuries you sustained from the accident, nothing more.

Why do they want all your medical history?

Simple, they’re looking for a pre-existing condition to blame your injuries on. They might use that time you hurt your back lifting a couch five years ago against you.

What to do: Never sign a blanket medical release. Instead, choose a personal injury lawyer who can ensure these insurance company tactics are handled and they only get the records they need.

2. Ask You for Recorded Statements

It’s crucial to know what you should say if the insurance companies want a statement. Insurance adjusters may tell you they just need a few details to help process your claim faster.

One of the questions they’ll ask is, “How are you feeling?” You might say you’re feeling okay, and that simple statement can be turned against you.

The jury won’t hear the part where you were trying to be polite or optimistic. They’ll just see those words in black and white, and the insurance company might argue that you weren’t really injured.

What to do: Never give any kind of detailed statement, recorded or not. You can tell them you’ll provide a statement with a personal injury attorney.

3. Delaying Treatment Can Cost You Big Time

After an accident, you might feel sore but assume you’ll recover in a few days. But if the pain lingers for a week and you finally seek medical treatment, the insurance company will argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.

Insurance adjusters are trained to poke holes in your claim.

If you didn’t get treatment right away, they’ll try to convince a jury that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the accident. They know that medical records are the strongest evidence of an injury, so if you wait too long, they’ll use that gap against you.

What to do: If you’re in an accident and feel pain, don’t wait. Get checked out immediately, even if you think it’s minor. That visit creates a paper trail that protects your claim.

4. Low-ball Settlement Tricks

When it’s time to resolve your claim, the insurance company should make you an offer. Instead, they often ask what you think is the value of your injury case.

Most people underestimate the value of their injuries.

The insurance adjuster knows what your claim is worth, but they’re hoping you don’t.

If you throw out a number that’s lower than what they were prepared to offer, they’ll gladly take it and you’ll be left with a fraction of what you actually deserve.

What to do: Never accept the first offer. Consult an attorney who can negotiate on your behalf and make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Key Takeaways on Dealing With Insurance Companies

• Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and your rights as a policyholder. This will help you understand what your insurance company is obligated to provide and what you are entitled to receive in the event of a claim.
• Document everything. Keep records of all communication with the insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and letters. Take photos of any damage or injuries, and keep all receipts and bills related to medical treatment, repairs, and other expenses.
• Be patient but persistent. Follow up regularly, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request additional information.
• Don’t accept the first offer. Decline their first offer and take time to respond to a low-ball or partial settlement offer.
• Seek legal advice. Consider seeking the advice of a personal injury attorney to help you understand your rights, negotiate with the insurance company tactics on your behalf, and take legal action if necessary.

Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t let insurance companies trick you into undervaluing your claim. These companies have teams of professionals working against you. But with the right knowledge and the right attorney, you can fight back and get that fair settlement.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering settlement.

Call our personal injury law firm to schedule a free case review and learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.