Insurance companies attract new policyholders with reassuring commercials and glossy ads, but the truth is that they are private companies with profits as their primary goal. Despite their compassionate tones when they call you after a car accident, they are not on your side. Insurance adjusters are hired to protect profits by finding ways to devalue, underestimate, and deny claims. By hiring an Encino car accident attorney to protect your rights and best interests, you have protection against an insurance company’s methods to protect their profits at your expense. Still, it’s important to be aware of common tactics insurance companies use against injury victims after a car accident.
In at-fault insurance states with comparison negligence insurance laws, the insurance company of the driver at fault for the accident is the one that must cover your property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A car accident claim can be substantial since future medical costs and lost wages are included in the calculation.
When an insurance company knows their policyholder is at fault for the accident, they may call very soon after the accident and reach out with a settlement offer. They know that frightened, vulnerable accident victims may gladly accept the offer so they can get by while they’re trying to recover. Unfortunately, an early settlement offer is almost always far less than the true value of a claim. Offering a lowball settlement before a victim knows the full extent of the damages they’re facing is a common tactic.
After an accident, insurance companies may continue to use their tried and true methods to delay, deny, and undervalue claims. These include:
It’s always best to hire an experienced car accident lawyer soon after an accident and then direct all communication with the insurance company directly to your attorney.
When an insurance company fails to live up to the terms of a contract, it’s a bad-faith practice that could potentially result in a jury awarding you further compensation as a result of the insurance company’s wrongful actions.
While you’re waiting for a settlement or for the case to proceed to court if the insurer refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, it’s important to avoid posting on social media. Sometimes insurance companies follow injury victims’ social media accounts to “catch” an injury victim looking fit and healthy, even if they were actually smiling through their pain at an important family event. Never post comments about your accident or your medical status on social media until after you’ve secured your compensation through a settlement or court award for damages.
Before speaking to insurance adjusters, call Younglove Law Firm for a free evaluation of your case so we can begin prompt action on your claim. Let an experienced car accident attorney in Encino deal with the insurance company while you focus on recovering.