Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts to maximize their profits. If an adjuster calls you, politely decline to make a statement without the presence of your lawyer. Immediately after, contact a personal injury law firm attorney to represent you. A lawyer will negotiate for you and ensure fair compensation. If you decide to talk to the adjuster, there are several strategies that they might use that affect your claim negatively.
Here are some of the strategies insurance companies use to lowball victims.
1.Providing a Low Initial Offer
The insurance adjuster will offer a low initial offer almost immediately after the accident. Since you won’t know the full extent of your losses, it is likely that you will settle for less compensation. They understand that the claimants might accept the offer because they want to resolve their financial strains. There might be more questions about why you declined. Tell the adjuster that your lawyer would call for negotiation.
2.Pressure for a Quick Settlement
The insurer might offer a quick, low settlement, hoping the claimant will accept it. The adjuster might make it seem very urgent and give threats of delays. The most targeted people are the ones with busy careers because the adjuster assumes they have no time to spare from their busy schedules. They might also tell you that it’s the best offer you can get. Only accept the first settlement offer after evaluating your damages.
3.Shifting Blame
The insurance might attempt to blame you for the accident to reduce the payout. The insurer can claim you were on the wrong side in an accident. They could also assert that you were part of the incident, though not 100%. Dismiss the claim, and then talk to your lawyer. To support your argument, your attorney should keep the evidence collected and witness statements to use as evidence when following the payment of the claim.
4.Delaying the Claim Process
After the adjuster calls with a quick offer and you decline, the insurer will deliberately delay the claims process. The insurer believes that the longer they drag out the claim process, the more financial pressure you will have, which might make you ask for a lesser claim. This is a tactic they use to frustrate claimants and refrain from calling for the initial lower offer. More often, the following claim request is higher than what the adjuster offers as quick compensation.
5.Downplaying the Extent of Your Damage
The insurance company might claim that your injuries are less severe than yours. They will scrutinize your medical reports and procedures. If you have a preexisting condition, they might claim that it’s the cause of the severity. It could make them argue to pay less. Seek legal advice, and let your attorney handle it.
6.Request Recorded Statement
The recorded statements might be twisted and used against you. If it happens, you should read your policy and know your rights and requirements. Seek legal advice before sending anything to the insurer. Limit the information you provide in a recorded statement.
Conclusion
The insurance company is a business that tries to maximize its profits. Part of the profit comes from lowballs. An attorney protects you from getting less compensation than the loss incurred. You should document your evidence and be aware of how much your payment might be. This will save you from agreeing to lowball offers by the insurance company.Remember that insurance adjusters are expert negotiators. They will make you feel that what they are offering is the best compensation you can get. You might agree with them if you don’t have a lawyer by your side. Involve an attorney in the case as soon as possible. It will be easier to obtain fair compensation.
