From discouraging you from filing a claim in the first place to paying you too little, insurance companies might work against you in many ways. After a serious accident, insurance companies are immediately on the defense and will do whatever it takes to help you achieve as little as possible. However, you might be looking for maximum compensation for your losses so that you can move forward during these difficult times.
By understanding the tricks that insurance companies use against you, you can be prepared for everything that they might throw at you. There are ways that you can counteract the insurance company and work toward results even if they are not willing to pay what you are expecting from them.
Tricks Used by the Insurance Company
An Unhelpful Apology: After your car accident, the other party’s insurance company will likely call you and try to offer you an apology. They might tell you that, if you need help, you should contact them before you contact somebody else. However, even if they might say these things, it doesn’t always mean that they will instantly provide you with the compensation you believe you deserve. Companies believe that, if they apologize to you and make you feel good, you won’t file a lawsuit against them. However, you should always stand firm in your ideals and do what is fair for you. Approximately 96% of cases are settled before trial and, if you believe you are not being offered a fair settlement, you might have to consider a trial.
Negotiate without Attorney: The insurance adjuster might say that they want to help you save money and that you should negotiate a settlement before considering litigation. However, this is just a tactic for the company to protect their best interests, not yours. They might try to negotiate unfairly and reduce the value of your claim even if you are entitled to more.
The Recorded Statement: The insurance company might catch you when you are most vulnerable after an accident and attempt to obtain a recorded statement. You might believe that this is the best time for them to get information about your claim but this is not helpful to you. You might make mistakes and say the wrong thing and then they will twist your words to try and use them against you. Before making any statements, you should always speak with a skilled attorney.
Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions: Perhaps you have had an injury before your accident but being involved in your crash has worsened the injuries. This is known as a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies do not always take these pre-existing injuries seriously and might try to say that the accident did not lead to them. This is why you must always have a trail of medical records to support what you are telling them.
Speaking with an Attorney After a Car Accident
After you have suffered from a Florida car accident, you might wonder what options are available for you. At Sheftall & Associates, our attorneys are prepared to assist you after you have been harmed by another party’s reckless acts. Our experienced team of attorneys have handled many cases like these in the past and are here for you every step of the way. Please contact our accident attorneys at 904-647-2296 for more information on your options at this time.
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