Tactics Car Insurance Companies Use to Devalue or Deny Valid Claims

When you’ve been in a car accident, you expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to handle your claim fairly and efficiently. However, insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they often employ various tactics to devalue or deny valid claims. These tactics can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to proceed. 

If you are filing a car accident claim, having a personal injury attorney on your side can make all the difference. An auto accident lawyer can combat the following strategies and stand up for your rights, helping you recover maximum compensation.  

Requesting Unnecessary Documentation

Insurance adjusters sometimes request an excessive amount of documentation to slow down the claims process and discourage you from pursuing your claim. They may ask for medical records that are not relevant to your accident or demand documentation that is difficult or time-consuming to obtain. By burying you in paperwork, they often hope you will give up on your claim or accept a low settlement offer.

Using Recorded Statements Against You

After an accident, the insurance adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement about what happened. However, they can use this statement against you later, taking your words out of context or twisting them to undermine your claim. For example, if you initially downplay your injuries but later discover they are more serious, the company can point to this discrepancy as evidence that you are exaggerating or lying about your condition.

Making Quick and Insufficient Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers in the hopes that you will accept a low amount before you understand the full extent of your damages. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot ask for more money later, even if your expenses increase. These offers may not account for future medical expenses, lost earning potential, or pain and suffering, leaving you vulnerable to financial hardship. 

Disputing Your Injuries and Medical Treatment

To avoid paying out on claims, insurance companies may dispute the severity of your injuries or the necessity of your medical treatment. They might argue that your injuries were pre-existing or that you are exaggerating your symptoms. In some cases, they may even request blanket authorization to your medical records and use the information they find to cast doubt on your claim.

Fight Back Against Insurance Tactics with an Attorney

When you are up against an insurance company that is employing these tactics, you need a strong advocate in your corner. A Utah car accident attorney knows how to deal with insurance adjusters and will work diligently to protect your rights and best interests.

Your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you do not say anything that could damage your claim. They can also gather evidence to support your case, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. With this evidence, your attorney can prove that the policyholder caused the accident and your subsequent injuries, and is therefore financially responsible for your damages. 

If you have been injured in a car accident in Utah, do not try to handle your claim on your own. Contact an attorney who can stand up to the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.