You’ve just been hurt in a car accident, or you slipped and fell on someone else’s property. No matter what the cause of your injury is, one thing you can expect soon after is a call from the insurance company. It could be yours or the responsible party’s provider.
While the adjuster may sound friendly and concerned about your well-being, it is important to remember what that person’s motivations are.
Insurance Companies Make Money By Denying Your Claim
People pay for insurance to cover their medical bills and other losses in the event of accidents. When the insurance companies actually have to pay out on policies, however, they lose money. Their motivation, the same as any other business, is to make money. Unfortunately, that can often come at your expense.
After a car accident or a fall on someone else’s property, the responsible party’s insurance provider may make every effort to avoid having to give you compensation.
Look Out For These Warning Signs
When an insurance adjuster calls to ask about the accident, there are some important questions or other signs to be on the lookout for that they do not intend to treat you fairly:
- Asking you to send medical records not related to the accident: A common tactic insurance companies use to deny claims is to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. Do not send them anything.
- Asking you to give a statement or details about the accident: You do not have to give a statement to the insurance company. They can use this statement to twist your words into an admission of liability.
- Advising you to accept a settlement that doesn’t cover your losses: Do not agree to anything without talking to an attorney. You could be leaving compensation on the table.
- Delaying or refusing to answer your questions: Insurance companies cannot unnecessarily delay the processing of your claim.
Talk To A Lawyer Today
One of the first things you should do after an accident is contact an attorney. Skilled, experienced personal injury lawyers know the tactics that insurance companies use to try and avoid paying out compensation. Additionally, they can handle all interactions with the insurance company. This can prevent any avoidable errors that could harm your claim for compensation. By letting the insurance companies know that you have an attorney on your side, they will know that they need to take you seriously.
