Insurance claim adjusters use some tactics to avoid paying what accident victims deserve. For instance, they may get you to admit fault and get more information than you should give. Also, the adjuster may tell you not to work with an attorney and hire an investigator to put you on the watch.
It’s important to be aware of the questions about personal injury, so you can find answers that can help you make the best decision for your injury claim.
By learning about the facts about the common tactics that insurance adjusters use, you may be able to better defend yourself against them. Click this link to connect with them. These tactics include the following:
Approaching You in a Friendly Way
When an insurance adjuster contacts you for the first time, they may sound friendly and kind. This is a strategy to make you think that they are concerned about what’s best for you. During the conversation, the adjuster will ask how you are recovering from your injury.
But you should not avoid falling into this trap. Insurance adjusters work to defend the company that employs them and look after its best interests.
Getting You to Admit that the Accident Was Your Fault
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Insurance adjusters know how to get you to admit fault while you don’t know you are doing it. For instance, they might ask you if there was something you could have done differently to prevent the accident from happening.
When the adjuster asks open-ended questions, just refuse to answer. Also, don’t agree to provide them with a statement before you can consult an attorney.
Regardless of what the adjuster tells you, ensure you don’t provide them with a recorded statement without consulting your attorney first. Once you make a recorded statement, every word you say will go on record.
And you won’t be able to correct a mistake made during the recording. Also, even if you give a statement because you misunderstood a question or do not know enough information, what matters are your recorded words.
Getting You to Sign a Medical Release Form
Do not agree to give authorization for the adjuster to access your medical records. Otherwise, you allow them to comb through your records to look for a previous injury they can blame your current injury on.
Telling You Not to Hire an Attorney
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Insurance adjusters know that personal injury attorneys will not let them violate the legal rights of claimants. So, an adjuster will tell you that there is no need to speak with an attorney because things can be settled between you and the insurance provider.
But even a minor accident can lead to serious injuries that may present symptoms later. Without an attorney on your side, it’s easy for the adjuster to take advantage of you and your situation. They will make a lowball settlement offer, saying it’s more than you deserve for your injury.
An experienced personal injury attorney knows how much compensation you deserve for your losses and injuries. They will advocate for you, protect your claim, and make decisions in your best interests.
Having You Under Surveillance
The insurance company adjuster or somebody they hire may be watching you. They can use what you do and post online against you or your claim. Following an accident, the adjuster may hire an investigator to photograph or record your activity and monitor your online presence.
If you take part in anything that indicates you are not injured enough or post about an activity online that’s hard to do with your injury, the insurance adjuster obtains evidence to be used to devalue your claim.
Intimidating You
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Insurance adjusters handle many claims every month. For you, this may be your first time making an injury claim. The adjuster knows what you do not know and use this against you. First, they may say your injury is not eligible for monetary compensation and assure you they know how exactly your claim will stand even if it goes to trial.
Do not allow yourself to be caught in this trap. While insurance adjusters are familiar with the claims process, they do not have much time to spend on every case they handle. Your claim is different from others and they don’t know the details of your injuries and losses.
A personal injury lawyer knows insurance claims work and understands the facts of your particular claim.
Downplaying Your Injuries
The insurance adjuster can easily downplay your injuries if you did not seek medical attention immediately after the accident. They would claim that your injury was not serious enough since you forgo a medical visit. Also, they may argue that the treatments you sought were not necessary or that your recovery took longer than needed.
You can avoid this tactic by seeking appropriate medical attention and treatment. Also, you need to be consistent with your treatment and recovery plan. Keep in mind that the insurance adjuster is not a medical expert, so they cannot make observations regarding your treatment and recovery.
Leveraging Information Against You
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The insurance adjuster will use any information they can against you to get you to settle or disclose details that can damage your claim. For instance, if the adjuster learns that you have serious anxiety or are taking anxiety medications, they may trigger your anxiety by calling you many times or talking to you in a confrontational way.
This is something they cannot do if you don’t engage with them in the first place. So, if you have anxiety issues, make sure to let your attorney handle the adjuster for you. Often, insurance adjusters do not employ aggressive tactics if a lawyer is involved.
Misrepresenting the Coverage of the Insurance Policy
The insurance adjuster may deceive you about the amount the negligent party’s insurance policy can cover for a claim. Or they might lead you to think you cannot pursue compensation for lost wages or pain and suffering.
Your injury lawyer can help you know the limits of the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits and can give you advice on the potential compensation you may be able to seek.
