Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be very frustrating. Insurance companies operate like any other business and are motivated by generating profits. They have trained adjusters who know how to minimize claims and push victims to accept as little pay as possible.
Sometimes, they may even try to shift the blame or delay your claim. Understanding how insurance handles these tactics can help you protect your rights. That is why, when choosing personal injury lawyers, you must select someone experienced and well-versed with the tricks used by insurance companies. Read on to understand how to deal with frustrating insurers.
Stay Calm and Collect Evidence
A very effective way of handling an aggressive insurance company is to stay calm. Focus on collecting as much evidence as possible. Since insurers are notorious for downplaying damages, good documentation can strengthen your claim.
Be sure to collect:
- A copy of the police report
- Medical records and bills
- Photos of the accident and other damages
- Witness statements
- Any form of communication from the insurance company
The more evidence you have, the harder it is for the company to dispute your claim.
Be Very Cautious of What You Say
Insurance adjusters have a way of making you say what you didn’t intend or something that could be used against you. Be very careful about what you say and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident.
Always stick to the facts. Additionally, don’t agree to be recorded without having an attorney present. If possible, keep the communication in writing. For phone call conversations, take notes of the conversations, including the name of the adjuster. Remember, anything that you say could be used against you to potentially lower your statement. Therefore, be careful and don’t feel pressured to talk.
Understand Your Rights According to the Policy
Review your policy carefully before negotiating with an insurance company. Understanding your rights and what you are entitled to helps to prevent an insurer from misleading you. Also, beware of bad faith practices such as:
- Delaying your claim without reason
- Offering a low settlement that doesn’t cover all damages
- Misrepresenting the policy terms
- Denying your claim without enough reasons
If you suspect an insurer is acting in bad faith, you have the legal grounds to take action. Additionally, consulting an attorney is important, as they will help you understand when your rights are being violated and the best legal course of action.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies tend to start with a low offer, hoping that victims will be tempted to take it. Most people fall for this trap because of all the financial bills quickly piling up. However, this rarely reflects the true value of your claim.
Before accepting an offer, review it to ensure it covers all damages, including lost wages and pain and suffering. You can do this by comparing it to your listed expenses and losses.
Negotiating is part of the claims process so don’t be pressured to accept it. You have a right to counteroffer, provided you have the necessary evidence.
Conclusion
Insurance companies rarely have the victim’s interest at heart. Since they are trained to minimize claims, victims need to know and recognize any aggressive signs to deal with them accordingly.
