When navigating the aftermath of a personal injury, dealing with insurance adjusters becomes an inevitable part of the process. These professionals play a crucial role in determining the outcome of injury claims, but their objectives are often misaligned with those of the claimant. This blog aims to shed light on common tactics used by insurance adjusters in personal injury cases, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate these interactions more effectively.
Early Settlement Offers
One of the first tactics an insurance adjuster might employ is to make an early settlement offer. This is often presented before the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life is fully understood. While it may be tempting to settle quickly, these initial offers are typically well below what is fair. The goal here is to minimize the payout before claimants realize the full value of their claim.
Request for a Recorded Statement
Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement under the guise of “getting your side of the story.” However, this is a tactic used to find inconsistencies or statements that can be used to devalue your claim. Providing a recorded statement without legal advice can inadvertently harm your case.
Medical Record Requests
Another common approach is the request for comprehensive medical records, sometimes going back years before the incident. While this may seem like a routine part of the process, it’s often an attempt to find pre-existing conditions or injuries that can be used to argue that your current injuries are not entirely related to the claimed incident.
Surveillance
In some cases, insurance companies may resort to surveillance tactics to gather evidence suggesting that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. This could involve social media monitoring or even hiring private investigators to observe your activities.
Delaying Tactics
Delays in processing your claim can be a strategy to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. By dragging out the process, insurance adjusters capitalize on the financial strain that many claimants may face, especially if they’re unable to work due to their injuries.
Shifting Blame
A tactic that can significantly impact your claim is the attempt to shift blame onto you, partially or fully. By questioning your actions and suggesting that you share responsibility for the incident, adjusters can reduce the insurance company’s liability.
Disputing Medical Treatments
Insurance adjusters might question the necessity or extent of your medical treatments to reduce the value of your claim. They may argue that certain treatments were unnecessary or too expensive, suggesting that less costly alternatives should have been pursued.
How to Protect Your Claim
Understanding these tactics is the first step in protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation. Here are some strategies to counteract these common approaches:
- Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: Before engaging with insurance adjusters, seek legal advice. A skilled personal injury lawyer can navigate these tactics, advocating on your behalf.
- Avoid Providing Recorded Statements: Politely decline requests for recorded statements until you have consulted with your lawyer.
- Be Cautious with Medical Releases: Only provide medical records that are directly relevant to the injuries sustained in your incident, and do so under the advice of your lawyer.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatments, and interactions with the insurance company.
- Stay Off Social Media: Consider taking a hiatus from social media or severely limiting your posts, as these can be monitored and used against you.
If you’re facing the daunting task of dealing with insurance adjusters after a personal injury, Legal Needs is here to help. Our experienced team understands the tactics adjusters use and how to counteract them effectively. Contact us today to ensure that your claim is in skilled hands, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
