As a driver, getting into an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Dealing with insurance companies and auto insurance adjusters only adds to the frustration. Auto insurance adjusters are responsible for assessing the damages and costs of an accident in order to determine the payout from your insurance company.
While some auto insurance adjusters are professional and ethical, others try to use certain tricks to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. It’s important for drivers to be aware of these tactics in order to protect themselves and their rights.
We’ve documented sneaky auto insurance adjuster tricks used by major insurance companies, such as GEICO, State Farm, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and USAA. But it never hurts to refresh your knowledge in order to protect yourself from insurance carrier tactics.
Adjusters may quickly claim that their policyholder is not liable for the accident without conducting a thorough investigation, which can sometimes lead to unfair outcomes for those affected. To effectively counter this claim, it’s critical to gather comprehensive evidence. This includes taking detailed photos of the accident scene, collecting witness statements to provide an unbiased account of events, and obtaining police reports that document the initial findings of the incident.
Some auto insurance adjusters may propose a quick settlement to resolve the claim, aiming to expedite the process before you know the full extent of your personal injury damages. Although it may seem convenient, especially if you’re eager to move on, recognize that the initial offer is often much lower than what you are owed. Ensure all damages are thoroughly accounted for, including both immediate and long-term impacts, before accepting a settlement.
Auto insurance adjusters often request recorded statements shortly after an accident occurs. While these requests may seem routine, it’s essential to exercise caution. Adjusters might ask questions in a way that leads you to inadvertently downplay your injuries or state facts that could later be misconstrued to undermine your claim.
Avoid giving any recorded statement without consulting with a legal professional first. If you do decide to proceed with a statement, ensure you’re well-prepared, sticking strictly to the facts and avoiding speculation about the accident or your injuries. Remember, auto insurance adjusters are skilled in using your own words to weaken your case, so be concise and precise in your responses.
Auto insurance adjusters may argue that certain treatments are excessive or unrelated to the accident, attempting to reduce the value of your claim. Follow the advice of your healthcare providers and keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and recommendations to arm yourself with comprehensive documentation to counter any claims that your medical care was unnecessary.
Adjusters might also try to attribute your injuries to pre-existing conditions rather than the accident itself. This approach is aimed at diminishing the severity of your claim by suggesting that your health issues existed before the incident. Be prepared to provide evidence from your medical history that supports the link between your injuries and the accident. A clear medical record demonstrating your health status prior to the accident can be pivotal in rebutting such claims.
Another one the auto insurance adjuster tricks is to overwhelm you by requesting extensive documentation, thus complicating your claim. Adjusters might ask for seemingly irrelevant documents or an exaggerated amount of detail that far surpasses what’s needed to evaluate your case. This tactic can lead to delays and make the process feel daunting, possibly pressuring you into settling for less out of frustration.
To counter this, keep a comprehensive record of all communication and documentation related to your claim. Collaborate with your attorney to determine which documents are genuinely necessary for your case. This ensures you only provide what’s relevant while resisting unnecessary demands that could slow the personal injury claims process.
Another tactic employed by auto insurance adjusters is asking you to sign a medical authorization form. Signing such a form grants the insurance company access to your complete medical history, not just the records related to the accident.
With your complete health record in-hand, adjusters may try to attribute your injuries to pre-existing conditions rather than the accident itself. This approach is aimed at diminishing the severity of your claim by suggesting that your health issues existed before the incident.
Together with your attorney, gather evidence from your medical history to establish the connection between your injuries and the accident. A well-documented medical record detailing your health before the accident can be crucial in countering such claims.
Adjusters might misinform you about the extent of your policy coverage, suggesting you have less protection than you actually do. Further, they may use phrases such as “it is not our policy” to do something.
The insurance company’s arbitrary policy does not dictate legal requirements. State law and the terms outlined in your policy are what truly govern. Double-check your policy details to ensure accuracy before discussing with the auto insurance adjuster.
Adjusters may deliberately delay the claims process, hoping that financial pressure or frustration will compel you to accept a lower settlement. Such stalling tactics can extend the time it takes for you to receive a payout, exacerbating the stress of managing vehicular repair or gathering medical records and bills without adequate compensation.
This delay might be paired with attempts to drive a wedge between you and your attorney. Auto insurance adjusters might imply that involving legal counsel will only prolong the process further, or they might suggest that your representation is not acting in your best interest. Remain steadfast in your communication with your attorney, ensuring you have professional guidance throughout the process and do not succumb to these pressure tactics.
Navigating the complexities of an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially when faced with tactics designed to minimize compensation. At Thompson Law, our seasoned injury lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the fair settlement you deserve.
With extensive experience in dealing with auto insurance adjuster tricks, we offer strategic guidance and robust representation to safeguard your interests. Our team is adept at countering common auto insurance adjuster tricks, such as lowball settlement offers, excessive documentation requests, or attempts to misrepresent your policy coverage.
By partnering with Thompson Law, you gain a formidable ally capable of navigating the claims process efficiently and effectively, ultimately steering you towards a favorable outcome while you focus on recovery. Contact us online today for a FREE CONSULTATION to discuss your case and learn how we can assist.
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Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.