Car accidents can be a distressing and overwhelming experience. After such an incident, you may seek financial compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. While insurance companies are supposed to provide support during these difficult times, some may try to mislead car crash victims to protect their own interests. A committed car accident attorney can help protect your legal rights and seek maximum compensation. Insurance Companies are Late in Responding Following a car crash, you may contact the at-fault driver's insurance company to initiate a claim. One tactic that many insurance companies use is to delay responding to your claim or inquiries. They may do this to frustrate you or make you feel like your case is unimportant. The aim is to pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer or even giving up on your claim altogether. Make Lowball Settlement Offers Another strategy employed by insurance companies is to offer an initial settlement amount that is far lower than what you are entitled to. Insurance adjusters may take advantage of your vulnerability and financial stress, hoping you'll accept the quick offer without fully understanding the long-term consequences of doing so. Such lowball offers may not cover all your medical expenses, property damage, or lost wages, leaving you in a difficult financial situation in the future. Purposeful Misinterpretation of Policy Terms Insurance policies can be complex and filled with legal jargon that may be challenging to decipher for the average person. Some insurance companies may use this to their advantage and misinterpret policy terms to reduce the amount they need to pay out on a claim. They may try to shift blame to you or argue that certain damages are not covered under the policy. Asking for a Recorded Statement When dealing with an insurance adjuster, you may be asked to provide a recorded statement detailing the events of the car crash. While this may seem routine, be cautious. Insurance companies may use your statement against you later, twisting your words to dispute liability or minimize your injuries and damages. In fact, you should never speak with an insurance adjuster before consulting with an experienced car accident attorney first. Protecting Against Misleading Tactics of Insurance Carriers To protect yourself from misleading tactics used by insurance companies, consider the following steps:
- Seek Strong Legal Representation: Consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can advocate for your rights, collect strong evidence and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and phone calls. This documentation can serve as evidence if any disputes arise later.
- Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement: Refrain from providing a recorded statement without first consulting your attorney. They can advise you on how to navigate this process effectively.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights as a car crash victim and the coverage provided by your insurance policy.