5 Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
Posted in Personal Injury on November 28, 2024
After a sudden injury from an accident, you may find yourself in a challenging position. While you’re focused on healing, insurance companies often work behind the scenes to reduce your compensation. Their goal is straightforward: minimize what they pay.
Insurance adjusters are trained well to achieve this ultimate goal. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident or a slip-and-fall, being aware of these tactics can empower you to seek fair compensation. Our team at Soofer Law Group is here to ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way.
5 Tactics That Insurance Companies Use to Minimize Compensation
Here are the five most frequently used tactics insurance companies employ to devalue and deny injury claims.
Tactic 1: Disputing Liability
Due to the state’s at-fault liability rules, the responsible party must pay damages and medical costs, so insurance companies often try to avoid covering these expenses by disputing liability. They might even encourage accident victims to accept partial or full fault, or twist statements to shift blame.
This tactic can leave the injured party with limited or no compensation, even when they’re not at fault. Countering these methods requires strong evidence, such as police reports and photos from the accident scene. With clear documentation, it’s much harder for insurers to avoid accountability.
Tactic 2: Downplaying the Severity of Your Injury
Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries by claiming they are pre-existing or exaggerated. They may argue that medical treatments are unnecessary or that the injuries will heal on their own, hoping to reduce the claim’s value and settle for far less than what’s needed for a full recovery.
Maintaining thorough records helps counter these tactics. By documenting each medical visit and treatment, claimants build a solid record to support their case. This approach makes it harder for insurers to dismiss the severity of injuries, ensuring that all necessary treatments are covered.
Tactic 3: Delaying the Claims Process
Another way insurance companies attempt to wear down claimants is by delaying the claims process. By slowing the process, they hope claimants will become financially stressed and willing to accept a lower settlement out of desperation. This method can lead to frustration and even pressure some to abandon their claims.
To avoid delays in your injury claim, consider hiring a dedicated injury lawyer who can push for timely responses. An attorney can help pursue a claim as quickly as possible so you don’t lose precious time.
Tactic 4: Offering Quick, Lowball Settlements
Insurance companies may offer a speedy settlement in a surprisingly short time after an injury. By providing a low offer early on, they aim to close the claim quickly before medical expenses or lost wages fully come to light. Once accepted, these low settlements prevent claimants from seeking further compensation even if new symptoms arise.
Insurance adjusters hope that you fail to consider the potential long-term costs linked to your injuries. Evaluating any offer with the help of an attorney is crucial to ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. In a time where your focus should be on your recovery, having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make this process significantly easier.
Tactic 5: Shifting Blame for Delay on the Victim
Insurance companies may attempt to shift the blame for delays in processing a claim onto the victim. They might argue that the claimant didn’t respond promptly or failed to provide necessary details. Often, they use this as a reason to lower the settlement amount or deny the claim altogether.
Maintaining records of all communications with the insurance company can protect you from this maneuver. An experienced injury lawyer can help handle communications with insurers to avoid miscommunication or blame-shifting.
Consult a Skilled Injury Lawyer From Soofer Law Group Today
If you’ve been hurt in an accident and are confronting challenges with the insurance company, now is the time to get the legal support you need. At Soofer Law Group, our injury lawyers help injured victims throughout California overcome these hurdles and hold insurance companies accountable. With our legal support, you don’t have to face these companies alone.
If you struggle to get a fair offer after an accident in California, consult our skilled legal team. To speak with one of our seasoned attorneys over a free consultation, call (310) 861-4058 or complete our contact form.