- Claiming to safeguard you and to fight hard so that you receive a settlement that is considered fair.
- A claims or insurance adjuster is not your friend. Their job security, income, and future earnings and promotions are tied to being able to save their company (the insurer money), that means they will do everything in their power to limit how much you can receive from a fair settlement.
- Informing you that an attorney is not necessary and that paying an attorney will reduce your settlement pay out.
- Do not play games with the insurance adjuster, that is what many are taught to do. Instead you should talk to an attorney. Those who tend to obtain adequate and competent legal representation tend to obtain more money from the settlement than those who decide to directly deal with the insurance company themselves. Insurance companies that do not have to deal with lawyers often are not held accountable for what they should be required to pay. Adjusters constantly handle claims similar to your on a day-to-day basis. How often do you negotiate insurance claims? What we are trying to say here is they have had plenty of practice doing negotiations and settlements, but it is likely you have not, at least in regards to insurance. It is best to get assistance from someone, such as an attorney who has as well.
- Demanding a recorded statement or something in writing
- Adjusters are taught to obtain some type of solid evidence about your incident that they can use either to refute your claim or against you when it comes to a court proceeding. Of course you will have to provide such information to them eventually, but it is best to make sure your information is not taken out of context, rather you should have an attorney read over your written statement before sending it to the adjuster. Also be wary of any verbal statements made to the adjuster. For instance, if the adjuster asks you “Hello sir/ma’am how are you feeling to day, we understand you have been in an accident” Most people may say, “I’m doing fine”, this is a huge no-no. Even though this is a simple response, the insurance company will record that you said you were fine, and that you really do not have any injuries worth noting.
- Asking if you would not mind signing a medical authorization so that they can obtain records of any medical treatment you have ever received.
- This enables the insurance company to do further research regarding your claim and injury including determining whether you have any pre-existing injuries. They will do this to attempt to discredit you at any opportunity. Remember, that insurance companies have access to a large medical database that already gives them limited info regarding any of your prior insurance claims as well. Any attorney will inform you as we are here, that there is no reason for an insurance company to have any medical records prior to a lawsuit being filed unless for a specific or unique reason. Do not authorize anything you think could be important unless your attorney advises you to do so.
- Be wary of any offer of a quick settlement without a full release being signed.
- At times an insurance adjuster may attempt to negotiate with you, the offer of a certain amount of money an in exchange you would grant the company a full release. This generally occurs before you have racked up to many medical bills or before you have seen a doctor to find out what your extent of your injuries. We understand that a sum of money immediately after an accident sounds like something you should accept but you should never do so without first getting the full extent of your injuries or the full extent of the damages you cannot go back and get more money for them later on.
- Be wary of the company delaying the processing of your claim
- Once you file a claim, many companies may understand that you may be out of work for a while and have high medical expenses. Many companies may delay the processing of your claim until you agree to settle. Your lawyer however, can often provide you with different ways in which you can handle your financial issues in the meantime.
- Investigators & Surveillance
- The insurance company will usually hire investigators to determine if your injuries are genuine. Do not be surprised if you have some of them following you around to determine if you inquires are genuine. Even if you have been completely honest they will still send some of their investigators out, so be careful.
- Not truthfully telling you the amount of your insurance coverage that can pay your claim?
- The adjuster may possibly inform you that the party responsible for your damages only covers the minimum liability insurance. However, do not believe them. You should have the ability to check the policy to determine if this is true. An attorney would definitely help with this situation.
- Ways in which the adjusters will attempt to deny or limit liability of their client
- Claiming the following:
- The accident was your fault
- Accident was only partially the insured fault but you contributed to the accident
- A third-party was at fault
- Disputing damages
- Make sure that you keep record of all your info. There will be a time when a dispute will occur between you and the insurer make sure you have all medical bills and all other documentation.
If you have additional questions regarding insurance in general or car insurance check out our other articles that will be of great assistance?
- Car Insurance Claims Do’s and Dont’s
- Car Accident With No Insurance
- Car Accident With No Insurance FAQ