We’ve previously documented the sneaky tricks, here you will find 7 tricks your insurance providers play in past posts, like any. of. these. But it never hurts to refresh your knowledge in order to protect yourself from insurance carrier tactics. Thompson Law is here to fight for your maximum payout and share these tips to help you confidently move forward with your claim in the face of insurance adjuster opposition.
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Insurance companies literally structure evaluations for adjusters based on how little they pay out claims. “Success” for adjusters is measured in the number and frequency of low-ball offers they pay out, and these “accomplishments” result in rewards, including raises, promotions and bonuses. The insurers literally make money by keeping your compensation from you.
A good rule of thumb is to not accept a first offer from an insurance adjuster. Low dollar or zero dollar (declined) first offers are standard practice for many insurance companies. The people who design these policies assume many people are too busy, stressed, or unsure in their situation to fight back – and unfortunately, they are right.
Adjusters will attempt to get you talking on a recorded line and use specially designed questions and phrasing to get you to admit fault or contradict yourself. These recorded statements can come back to haunt you in negotiations, even if they are not fair or accurate representations of events or were the result of trick questions. It’s best not to speak with insurance representatives at all, but especially take care to avoid recorded statements.
Legally in Texas, you are not required to speak with the other party’s insurance representatives. Avoiding these conversations altogether is the best decision (see tip 3 above), and if communication needs to occur with the at-fault insurance carrier, trust those conversations to an expert (see tip 7 below).
Adjusters use these releases to gain full access to your medical history. So, you might be in a position where you are being asked about an old illness or injury and defending yourself from the fact that a preexisting condition or old healed wound in some way impacted the injury from your accident.
Additionally, in obtaining the release, they may use your statements on that recorded line to manipulate you into saying something like “the injury is not so bad” or “maybe it has to do with something that happened to me in the past.” All of this can work against you when it’s time to negotiate for your fully deserved compensation.
Whenever you speak with any person working on your case, from any institution, it is a good idea to take notes on the conversation. Record the date and time, name of the person you talked to, and what was discussed. It’s also always a good choice to stay calm, even if you are being told something upsetting or hearing statements that you disagree with. Staying cool and collected pays off in the long run, and your documentation of events is a great help if you do field a call like this.
Of course, our key advice here would be to avoid speaking with anyone but your attorney or their designated representatives. You have the freedom to excuse yourself from conversations with other individuals involving themselves in your claim. This is the best course of action, as your attorney can best keep all communications heading in the right direction, and work for your benefit most efficiently and effectively.
The best advice of all is to hire a skilled personal injury attorney. Studies show that you will get a larger settlement when working with an experienced accident attorney, and it never hurts to engage the help of an expert when you are facing a difficult situation.
Thompson Law works on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid a cent unless and until your case is settled. If you have been hurt in an accident and need help taking on the insurance adjusters, receiving guidance on seeking medical care, and generally having someone in your corner to fight for what you deserve, reach out to Thompson Law.
Our expert legal professionals are standing by 24/7/365 to speak with you about your case and get you on the track to recovery and righteous compensation. Call the all 4’s lawyers today in Dallas at 214-444-4444 or Fort Worth at 817-444-4444, or toll-free at the number below.
Call (844) 308-8180
Hope this article has been helpful!
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Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.