Tactics Car Insurance Companies Use to Devalue or Deny Valid Claims
November 1, 2024 Posted In Uncategorized
Insurance companies often use various tactics to devalue or deny valid claims, prioritizing their bottom line over fair compensation. It is important to understand these methods so you can protect your rights and only accept a fair settlement with the help of a Beaumont car accident lawyer.
1. Offering Quick and Unfairly Low Settlements
After an accident, insurers may quickly offer a settlement, often before you have a chance to understand the full extent of your injuries or property damage. These offers may seem tempting, especially if you’re facing mounting expenses, but they often cover only a fraction of what you’re owed. By accepting a quick offer, you may unknowingly waive your right to pursue additional compensation later on.
2. Disputing Liability to Shift Blame
Insurance companies frequently dispute liability, even when evidence clearly shows their policyholder was at fault. By shifting partial or full blame onto the claimant, insurers can reduce the amount they need to pay or even deny the claim altogether. Without clear, supporting evidence, claimants often struggle to refute these tactics.
3. Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies sometimes stall the claims process to create financial pressure on claimants, hoping they’ll accept a lower settlement just to speed up the process. Tactics include repeatedly requesting additional documentation, prolonging “investigations,” and claiming understaffing or high claim volumes.
4. Requesting Excessive Documentation
Another tactic involves requesting excessive or unnecessary documentation, like extensive medical records, receipts, or even unrelated documents. Insurers may use these requests to delay the claim further or find inconsistencies to justify devaluing or denying the claim. For instance, if a claimant’s medical records show previous injuries, the insurer might argue that these conditions were pre-existing and not caused by the accident.
5. Arguing Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers often try to attribute injuries to pre-existing conditions, suggesting that the accident wasn’t the true cause. By doing so, they aim to minimize the amount of compensation they owe. For example, if you had a history of back pain, the insurer might argue that your current injuries are due to that condition rather than the accident. This tactic allows insurers to devalue injury claims, especially if there isn’t clear medical documentation directly linking the injuries to the accident.
6. Using Statements Against You
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident, under the guise of “clarifying details.” However, they’re often looking for any statements they can use to minimize your claim. For instance, if you say, “I’m feeling okay,” they may argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
7. Downplaying Medical Treatment Needs
Insurers may argue that you’re seeking unnecessary medical treatment or that the extent of your treatment is excessive. For example, they might argue that certain treatments, like physical therapy, are unnecessary and refuse to cover them. Insurers sometimes rely on “independent” medical examinations with doctors who are sympathetic to the company, further minimizing injury claims.
Protecting Yourself Against These Tactics
To protect yourself from these tactics, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos, witness information, and medical records. Document all interactions with the insurance company, including phone calls and emails. It is also in your best interests to avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer without consulting a trusted Beaumont injury lawyer first. They understand these tactics and can counter the insurer by negotiating on your behalf and taking your case to court if necessary to hold them accountable.