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Filing an injury claim after an auto accident can be a stressful and complicated process. This is especially true knowing that you will have to deal with an insurance company and claims adjuster that may try various tactics to minimize or deny your claim. Remember, adjusters are employed by your insurer and often care about their employer more than you and your compensation.

For this reason, let’s look at a few tricks an insurance company may use to reduce your payout or reject your claim altogether. We also offer some guidance on how to protect your rights when working with an insurer and dealing with auto accident claims.

Delaying the Claims Process

One tactic frequently used by insurance companies is to intentionally delay the claims process. They may drag their feet when it comes to investigating your claim, requesting documentation, or scheduling appointments. Their hope in this tactic is that you accept a lowball settlement offer or even give up on your claim due to frustration.

What can you do in response? Try the following:

• Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the insurance company, including dates, times, and names of representatives you speak with.
• Familiarize yourself with your policy and the deadlines for submitting documentation.
• Politely but firmly request a reasonable timeline for the claims process.
• Consult with an attorney if the insurer continues with delay tactics.

Disputing Liability

Insurance companies may attempt to shift the blame for the accident onto you. An adjuster may also argue that their policyholder was not at fault. This tactic is often used to reduce the insurer’s liability and to avoid paying you the full value of your claim.

What can you do in response? Try the following:

• Gather evidence at the accident scene, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports, to establish liability.
• Consult with an attorney if the insurance company continues to dispute liability.
• Be prepared to provide a clear and accurate account of the accident when speaking with a claims adjuster.

As to the latter, it is okay if you answer an adjuster’s questions or provide information on what took place. However, never agree to give an adjuster a recorded statement. Adjusters will use this tactic to poke holes in your story and fish for any reason to deny your claim.

Offering a Lowball Settlement

Insurance companies might offer a quick settlement that is far lower than the actual value of your claim. Their hope is that you will accept the offer without fully understanding your rights or the true extent of your damages.

What can you do in response? Try the following:

• Obtain independent appraisals or estimates for repairs, medical treatment, and other expenses related to the accident.
• Consult with an attorney or a claims specialist to assess the fairness of any settlement offers.
• Do not rush into accepting a settlement. Take your time to evaluate the offer’s adequacy.

Challenging Medical Necessity

Insurance companies may question the medical necessity of certain treatments or procedures, attempting to minimize their responsibility for medical expenses.

What can you do in response? Try the following:

• Keep thorough records of all medical treatment, including doctor’s notes, bills, and prescriptions.
• Consult with medical professionals to establish the necessity of your treatment.
• Be prepared to provide medical evidence supporting the relevance of your expenses to the accident.

Questions?

Contact Nelson Injury Law for Help!

If you were injured in an accident, let us shoulder the burden of your case. Your focus should be

on healing from your injuries. The skilled injury attorneys at Nelson Injury Law are here to help. We can file an injury claim on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance company. Please contact us now for a free consultation.

Eric S. Nelson, owner of Nelson Injury Law, is an experienced trial attorney who will provide

you with wise and compassionate legal counsel and representation through each stage of your

case. Remember, you pay nothing if we do not win your case.