When dealing with an insurance claim after an accident, it’s crucial to understand the insurance claim adjuster’s tactics. These tactics are often employed to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay out. Being aware of these strategies can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies have several methods to attempt to reduce or deny claims. Here are some of the most common:
1. Denying Their Client’s Negligence
One common tactic is for the insurance adjuster to deny that their client was at fault. They might argue that there is not enough evidence to prove negligence or that their client followed all traffic laws and regulations.
2. Convincing You To Accept a Small Settlement
Adjusters often try to persuade claimants to accept a lowball settlement offer quickly. They may suggest that it’s the best offer you’ll get or that it’s in your best interest to settle quickly to cover immediate expenses.
3. Using Your Words Against You
Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used against you. They might twist your words or take statements out of context to undermine your claim or suggest that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
4. Claiming “Assumption of Risk” on Your Part
The adjuster might argue that you assumed the risk of injury by engaging in certain activities. This tactic is used to suggest that you bear some responsibility for your own injuries, thereby reducing the insurance company’s liability.
5. Passing Liability to You
In North Carolina, even a small amount of liability can bar you from receiving any compensation due to the state’s contributory negligence rule. Adjusters might argue that you were partially responsible for the accident, even if it’s just 1% your fault, to completely deny your claim.
6. Minimizing the Severity of Your Injury
Insurance adjusters often downplay the severity of your injuries. They may claim that your injuries are not as serious as you describe or that you may be exaggerating your symptoms to receive a higher settlement.
7. Blaming a Pre-Existing Injury
If you have a pre-existing condition, adjusters might argue that your current injuries are related to that condition rather than the accident. They may claim that they only aggravated a pre-existing injury, not caused it, to avoid full liability.
How Lewis & Keller Defends Against These Insurance Company Tactics
At Lewis & Keller, we are well-versed in countering these insurance company tactics. Here’s how we protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve:
- Giving Evidence of Negligence: We gather and present compelling evidence to prove the negligence of the at-fault party. This includes obtaining police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and expert analysis.
- Calculating Your Settlement Before You Sign: Our experienced attorneys calculate the true value of your claim, considering all factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We ensure you understand what your claim is worth before accepting any settlement offers.
- Taking Insurance Calls on Your Behalf: To prevent adjusters from using your words against you, we handle all communications with the insurance company. This ensures that your statements are accurately represented and cannot be twisted to the insurance company’s advantage.
- Challenging the “Assumption of Risk” Defense: We challenge any claims that you assumed the risk of injury. Our team provides evidence and arguments to refute these defenses and demonstrate that the at-fault party bears full responsibility.
- Demonstrating That You Weren’t Liable: If the adjuster tries to shift blame onto you, we present evidence and arguments to show that you were not liable for the accident so that you receive fair compensation.
- Proving the Extent of Your Injury: We gather comprehensive medical records and expert testimonies to prove the full extent of your injuries. This ensures that your injuries are accurately represented and that you receive compensation for all related medical expenses and impacts on your life.
- Showing That the Accident Caused or Exacerbated Your Injury: If the insurance company tries to blame a pre-existing condition, we provide evidence to show that the accident either caused or significantly exacerbated your injury. This ensures that you are compensated fairly for the harm you have suffered.
Learning about the insurance claim adjuster’s secret tactics can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. At Lewis & Keller, our North Carolina personal injury attorneys have the experience and dedication to defend against these insurance company tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and options. If you have any questions or need assistance with your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us.
