The primary concern of most insurance companies is to minimize their financial liability as much as possible. They count on the average person being unfamiliar with insurance policy details and the laws surrounding filing a claim.
Here are 5 common insurance industry tactics to minimize settlements:
1. Quick Settlements
If an insurance company offers you a quick settlement, rest assured that it is almost certainly being under-compensated. You can fight back by taking the time to consider the offer with the help of a skilled attorney. Company officials know that if you hire an attorney to pursue your claim aggressively, the insurance company is likely to ultimately pay a much higher amount.
2. Delaying Claims
Once you’ve hired an attorney, the insurance company’s tactic may change to delaying payment of the claim for as long as possible in an effort to increase your aggravation. Insurance executives know that the longer the claims process drags on, the more likely you are to accept a smaller settlement.
A fact you may not know is that insurance companies in Texas must settle a claim within 35 days after they receive it. You can scare them by showing that you know how Texas Insurance Code Title 5, Chapter 542 requires them to render a decision on your claim and provide a settlement offer.
3. Denying Liability
Another insurance company tactic is to deny their policyholder is at fault and, therefore, they are not liable for your injuries. They may issue this denial without even investigating the claim, or they may say you don’t have any evidence of fault. This is where having a powerful and experienced car accident lawyer on your side can really help you succeed.
You can present evidence such as photographs of your injuries, the accident scene, automobile damage, police reports, and other documentation. Using this material, you can clearly show who is to blame and how the insurer is liable for all your losses associated with the accident.
4. Disputing Medical Documentation
Once you show evidence that the insurance company is liable, they may still push back by claiming your injuries aren’t that severe or that you don’t have enough proof. They do this as another way to minimize what they might have to pay. Hopefully, they can wear you down so you accept less, but with a tenacious car crash lawyer at your side, you can hold out for what you deserve.
The insurance company might question whether you actually need the treatments you’re claiming or say the price your doctor charges is too high. They may also insist your injuries are due to some other incident and not the car crash.
5. “Just Sign Here.”
When an insurance company asks you to sign something, be suspicious. Insurance documents are often crafted to allow the company to obtain lots of information which they can later use against you.
For example, the insurance company may ask you to sign a general medical authorization in hopes that they can blame your injury on a pre-existing condition.
Insurance companies aren’t allowed to violate your privacy unless you give them permission. You should avoid signing any insurance company authorizations until your attorney has an opportunity to review them.
How to Deal with Insurance Adjusters
Begin collecting evidence at the crash scene. Follow these recommendations to scare insurance adjusters:
- Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, either at the time of the accident or within 24-72 hours after with your personal physician.
- Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and the other driver’s license and insurance card. Back up these pictures to a hard drive with the date, time, and location, and share them with your attorney.
- Let your lawyer handle all conversations with the insurance company to avoid making statements that could endanger your claim.
- Avoid posting on social media or discussing the case with anyone besides your attorney. Insurance providers will scour your posts and comments for anything that could damage your claim.
- Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all your medical appointments.
In some instances, insurance companies will even send private investigators to follow you and see if you’re violating your doctor’s orders.
For example, if you are claiming back injuries but a PI observes you helping your spouse with minor yard work, the insurance company may claim you aren’t really as injured as you say.
Staying calm will help you make better decisions and avoid saying anything the insurance provider could use against you. If the insurance company violates the law or appears to be using bad faith tactics, a lawyer can help you gather the materials you need to file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance.
If you have any questions about handling the insurance company, contact our attorneys today for a free consultation.