Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics
Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance adjusters to minimize or deny claims. Understanding these tactics can help you navigate your personal injury claim more effectively and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
One common tactic is delaying the process. Insurance adjusters may take an extended amount of time to respond to your claim, hoping that you will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement than you deserve. They know that medical bills and other expenses can pile up quickly after an accident, creating financial pressure that might make a quick, lowball offer seem appealing.
Another common strategy is disputing medical treatments. Insurance adjusters often question the necessity of certain medical treatments or argue about their cost in order to reduce the value of your claim. They may even suggest that some injuries were pre-existing conditions rather than results of the accident.
Insurance adjusters also employ recorded statements as another way to potentially devalue your claim. They may ask for a recorded statement early on in the process, before you’ve had a chance to fully understand the extent of your injuries or consult with an attorney. While they present this as standard procedure, it’s often an attempt to catch victims off guard and get them to say something that could be used against them later on.
Disputing liability is another classic maneuver by insurance companies. Adjusters may try to shift some (or all) blame onto you for causing the accident, thereby reducing their responsibility for paying out damages.
Sometimes, insurance adjusters use surveillance footage in hopes they’ll find evidence contradicting claims made by victims about their injuries’ severity or impact on daily life activities. If caught participating in activities deemed inconsistent with claimed injuries – such as heavy lifting when claiming severe back pain – it can severely damage one’s case.
Lastly, many insurance companies employ what’s known as “nickel-and-diming”. This involves questioning every single expense related to an accident – from towing costs and car rentals to medical procedures and therapy sessions. While each individual cost may seem small, collectively they can add up to a significant amount.
Understanding these tactics is critical when dealing with insurance adjusters. However, it’s equally crucial to remember that you don’t have to navigate this process alone. A personal injury attorney can provide invaluable guidance, helping you understand your rights, counteract these tactics, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Munley Law
510 Third Ave 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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