Five Common Tactics Insurance Adjusters May Employ When Handling Fort Wayne Car Accident Claims
If you have been hurt in a car accident, keep in mind that the insurance carrier is a business that wants to make money. Thus, the company will usually try to determine how to pay you as little money as possible. After an accident, remember that any delay in claim settlement could benefit the company. With this in mind, it’s in your best interest to hire a Fort Wayne Car accident lawyer who has seen several cases similar to yours. This lawyer can take on the insurer in your case, but you still have to know the tactics the company may use against you or your case. These tactics include the following:
Ignoring You or Avoiding Your Calls
Not getting calls from the insurance company after a week of the crash could mean it is understaffed, the at-fault party was not insured, or the insurer is ignoring your claim. If the company is avoiding your calls, this is an unfair claims settlement practice. Speak with an attorney to learn about your rights and options in this regard. Stalling your case is meant to push you to sign a lowball settlement offer.
To avoid this trap, obtain information from the adjuster in writing. If the insurance adjuster must check with your manager or supervisor, get a date when they will contact you again and follow up if they fail to contact you on this date.
Refusing to Put Things in Writing
When you communicate with an insurance adjuster, insist that they offer you a letter that identifies themselves and the company they represent. Also, the letter should indicate whether the carrier gave coverage for the at-fault party on the accident date. In addition, all settlement offers about your case must be in writing. The adjuster can easily forget details of a verbal settlement.
Requesting a Recorded Statement
Never allow anyone to record conversations with them. Speak with your attorney first before you give any statement. The majority of adjusters know how the car accident happened based on the police report, the report of the at-fault party, and the witness statements. They may request you to give them a recorded statement, so you can say something that could ruin your claim. The insurance company can use a recorded statement against you.
Requesting Access to Medical Records
The adjuster may request medical authorization to access your medical records. While this request might seem reasonable, granting it means giving the adjuster access to your past and present medical records. After gaining access, the adjuster will find evidence that your current pain might be due to a pre-existing medical condition, not a car accident. This way, the insurance company can avoid paying you reasonable compensation for your damages. Remember not to sign anything following a car accident unless you are advised by your lawyer.
Intimidating You
Adjusters handle several claims every month while this may be your first time handling an injury claim. They have more knowledge than you do about the claims resolution process. The adjuster may say you cannot seek compensation and that they have handled several cases like yours before.
While adjusters understand the claims process well, they do not have much time to spend on every case per day. Thus, they are not experts on your specific claim, nor understand the specific details of your injuries and trauma. Working with a skilled car accident lawyer to handle your claim means you have somebody on your side who is knowledgeable about the insurance claims process and the insurance adjuster handling your claim. The attorney will do their homework to collect facts of your claim.
