Tricks Used by Insurance Adjusters to Lower Your Claim’s Value

It is normal for car accident victims to have their minds racing with questions such as “Who will repair my car?”, “How am I going to pay for my treatment?” and “Why is my personal injury claim taking so long?” Oftentimes we think that letting the claims adjuster deal with the details of our case might be the easiest course of action. The truth is, this could hurt your case more than help it.

In our experience, blindly trusting an insurance adjuster is one of the worst ways to go about a personal injury claim, especially if you were the victim of grave injuries.

Usually, adjusters will try to use all the insurance tricks in their book to lower your rightful compensation and get rid of the personal injury claim as much as possible.

We’ve all seen commercials and advertisements of big insurance carriers talking about how they are on their client’s side and how your well-being is the only thing they care about. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Insurance adjusters and companies will try to aim for a quick settlement offer then pay you the bare minimum as your compensation. The goal of insurance companies is not to help you, but rather to make money on premiums and commissions from settling accident claims.

When you get in an accident, be prepared to be bombarded by dirty tricks from adjusters, as they will try to persuade you to settle for a much lower offer.

Our expert auto accident lawyers have prepared a list of insurance tricks and tactics commonly used by adjusters to lower the value of your claim. This list will enable you to make correct decisions in case you ever get in a car accident.

Most Common Tricks Used by Insurance Companies

Try to make you admit fault, even when you had none

Insurance companies know what an emotional time the aftermath of an accident is. It is normal to feel somewhat guilty after an accident even when it wasn’t your fault.

Insurance adjusters will try to take advantage of this. Adjusters will deny your claim then coerce you into admitting you were at fault or at least partially responsible for the accident.

The way adjusters play the blame game is by asking seemingly innocent questions such as “What could you have done to prevent the accident?”.

That way they will find ways to make you contradict yourself and even make you look as if the accident was your fault.

Tell you that you don’t need a lawyer

It is known that insurance companies fear lawyers getting involved in a personal injury case. Getting an experienced attorney involved in your case quickly is a surefire way to guard yourself against all the tricks and tactics insurance companies use to lower your compensation.

Just as well, with an accident attorney by your side, you will receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, rather than directly settling a personal injury claim with an insurance company.

Rush you in getting recorded statements

One of the most commonly used insurance tricks is when adjusters try to rush you into a conversation. While it is necessary for them to get the facts and information of the accident, it can also be used as a tool to get an unfavorable admission from you. 

Never provide any information aside from what is necessary. Hire an experienced accident lawyer before speaking to an insurance company. 

Requesting signed authorization to go over your medical records

Getting their hands on your medical records is another common tactic insurance adjusters will use to try to deny liability for their insured.

It is not uncommon for them to request authorization to view your records completely unrelated to your accident to try to tie your past medical history to your present injuries and minimize your compensation for the medical bills as a result.

Another way auto insurance adjusters could use your treatment against you is by recommending an Independent Medical Exam. Far from being independent, this medical exam will normally be conducted by a physician recommended by the insurance company. The details of which can be used against you.

Always be careful about what the insurance adjusters ask you to sign. It is better to wait until an experienced car accident lawyer has reviewed your case and can provide you with the proper legal counsel to protect your claim from this kind of predatory tactic.

Putting surveillance on you

One of the dirty tricks insurance adjusters use to minimize personal injury victims’ injuries is by putting them under surveillance.

Just having someone stay around in front of your house to watch you pick up boxes or do trivial things such as mowing your lawn can be used as a weapon for them to claim that you aren’t as gravely injured as you claim.

Surveillance plays have gotten worse over the years with the advent of social media. It is not uncommon now for insurance agents to comb through your social media feeds on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, to try to find some incriminating evidence to deny your pain and suffering.

Avoid Getting Tricked by Insurance Companies With the Help of a Personal Injury Lawyer

Being a victim of a car accident is stressful, and dealing with all the paperwork and treatments on top of having to fight for your rightful compensation from insurance companies can be taxing mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

Know that you are not alone during this difficult time. Our personal injury attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance companies and winning the maximum compensation available for our clients.

We have the needed expertise to help you fight against these unscrupulous tactics and cheap tricks commonly used to avoid offering a fair settlement. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, get in touch with Farahi Law Firm.

We are determined to get you the medical treatment you need and win you the maximum compensation you deserve. Without you spending a cent. No fees unless we win! Contact us today at (844) 824-2955 for a free consultation on your case.R