Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Deny or Reduce Claims

Accidents are traumatic and stressful. As you deal with your health, the last thing you want to do is battle with an insurance company. Yet many victims have to deal with these companies — an experience that is unpleasant for many.

These companies may tout their trustworthiness, but many of them will do their best to pay as little as possible or nothing at all. Below is a discussion of some common tactics insurance companies may use to trick you into accepting less than you deserve for compensation.

Calling Too Soon After Injury

Insurance companies may call you soon after an injury for different reasons. A call soon after the accident may find you before you have had enough time to determine the full extent of your injuries. Additionally, this call may catch you off-guard and before you have had time to hire a lawyer.

If you get a call, the insurance adjuster on the other end may act exceedingly friendly and even sound concerned about your situation. They act this way so that they can gain your trust. However, you should be careful not to engage with them or trust them, as the company's interests and yours are opposing. The company is likely tricking you into letting your guard down so you can give them the information they will later use against you.

Requiring Extensive Documentation

Some of the information that insurance companies need in the event of an accident includes recorded statements and medical record releases. While it may seem harmless to provide them with this kind of information for claims processing, you should talk to a personal injury attorney before handing them any of this information.

Ensure that you read any documents presented to you carefully before signing a medical records release form. These companies may have included clauses allowing them to obtain copies of your medical history. To serve their interests, they could review information such as health conditions and prior injuries and use the information to build a case against you in court. Contact your attorney before you talk to a claims adjuster or sign any form.

Offering a Quick Settlement

Claims adjusters are highly trained in claim resolution and settlements, and they will use their skills and experience against the average policyholder. You are probably right if you feel that the adjuster is offering an easy and fast settlement.

Claims adjusters will offer you a settlement offer that will cover the immediate expenses related to your injury. However, if you explore your options, you will find that these offers cannot account for other aspects of the accident. For example, you will likely need more to cover unanticipated future repairs.

Discouraging You From Working With a Lawyer

Insurance companies know that attorneys can see through their tricks and manipulation. Therefore, they prefer to speak directly with a policyholder who needs help understanding the claims process. If you happen to speak to them before you hire an attorney, they will dissuade you from securing legal counsel and hiring a lawyer altogether.

Some of their arguments include that lawyers are expensive to hire and you can settle the claim by yourself. They may also say that a lawyer will only make the claims process longer and are not beneficial to you. If you fall for this trap, they will use their tricks and resolve the case to their advantage.

From the discussion above, you understand that insurance companies can play dirty if you let them. But hiring an accident and personal injury attorney improves your chances of getting fair compensation. Here at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, we have experience dealing with accident cases and will assist you with the claims process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.