After a car accident, insurance adjusters are assigned with the job of determining liability and the amount of compensation the victim might receive. However, a victim should be wary since some adjusters may use all manner of tactics to reduce compensation.
It’s vital to understand such actions and seek the help of car accident lawyers who can help in protecting your rights and ensuring a fair settlement.
Here are the common tactics of insurance adjusters that car accident victims should watch out for.
Lowball Offers
Adjusters are trained to save money for their company, and one of those ways is through offering an early settlement that sounds good to the claimant but actually is way lower than they deserve.
It is vital for an accident victim to be fully informed about their injuries, damages, and other related costs before agreeing to a settlement. A lowball settlement can shut the door to more compensation, especially when additional medical issues arise after the settlement.
Pressure to Settle Quickly
Insurance adjusters may contact accident victims to try to settle their claims as quickly as possible. Perhaps they will make a quick payment that sounds generous upfront; this can be a way of settling before you realize the full extent of your injuries or future costs. Things like medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing treatments could add up to much more than the offer.
This means that to protect yourself, you really need to speak with a lawyer before accepting any settlement; they can help you understand what your claim is truly worth.
Downplaying the Severity of Injuries
They might try to minimize compensation by challenging the veracity of the medical records, downplaying the injury, or even going further to claim that it is pre-existing. It’s critical for accident victims to keep thorough documentation and seek medical attention immediately after an accident. A healthcare professional’s opinion can counteract any downplaying of injuries that the adjuster may try to use to reduce the payout.
Misleading Statements
At times, adjusters attempt to make ambiguous statements to confuse a victim into thinking their case will not prevail.
An example is saying that perhaps the victim was at fault in the accident or their injuries are insufficient for compensation. While such statements may be overwhelming, they have to be taken with a grain of salt.
Victims should always consult an attorney and not accept any blame for the accident before understanding the full extent of their legal standing.
Using Recorded Statements Against You
Adjusters will likely request that victims provide a recorded statement regarding the accident. Often, individuals are advised to be cooperative; however, there is a need for great caution when answering questions. The statements made in these can be used against the victim during the settlement process.
It’s wise to consult with a lawyer before giving any recorded statements to ensure that the responses are appropriately framed and do not inadvertently harm the claim.
Delaying the Process
Insurance adjusters may sometimes deliberately delay the process in anticipation that the victim will give up or settle for less because of the frustration brought about by the delays. These include delays in medical assessments or taking too much time to review the documentation. The victim should keep track of all communications and ensure the claim is moving forward by requesting updates from the adjuster regularly.
