The Inside Scoop on How Insurance Companies Will Fight Your Personal Injury Claim
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Along with trying to recover from your injuries, you may be dealing with the stress of dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for fighting personal injury claims tooth and nail. They have tricks up their sleeve to dodge liability and get out of paying settlements. This blog post will give you insight on how insurance companies fight personal injury claims and how you can protect yourself against their tactics.
What is a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal case filed when someone is injured due to the negligence of another person. The injured party can file for compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why Do Insurance Companies Fight Personal Injury Claims?
Insurance companies will fight personal injury claims to save money. They are in the business of making money, not giving it away. When an insurance company pays out a settlement, they lose money. To avoid paying out hefty settlements, insurance companies will use a range of tactics to lessen or eliminate their liability.
The Most Common Ways Insurance Companies Fight Personal Injury Claims
Navigating through the claims process with an insurance company can be one of the most confusing and emotionally draining parts of suffering a personal injury. Insurance companies often hire lawyers whose sole purpose is to find ways to minimize or even deny compensated for your injury, which can make it seem nearly impossible to get what you rightfully deserve from them. Read on as we explain some of the most common ways that insurance companies fight against filing personal injury claims so that you know exactly how to prepare for any pushback, they might offer during settlement negotiations.
Denying Liability
One of the first things insurance companies will do is deny liability. This means they will say their client did not cause the incident, or they will say that no incident even occurred.
Blaming the Victim
Insurance companies may try to shift the blame onto the victim, accusing them of causing the injury. For example, they may say the victim was texting while driving and caused a car accident, even when that isn’t the case.
Downplaying The Severity Of The Injuries
Insurance companies will also try to downplay the severity of the injuries to lower the settlement cost. They may try to argue that the injury was pre-existing or that the victim is exaggerating the extent of the injury.
Offering A Low Settlement
Insurance companies may offer a quick, low settlement to the victim hoping they will take the payout and walk away from the case, without hiring a lawyer.
Delaying The Claim Process
Delaying the claim process is another technique insurance companies use to fight a personal injury claim. They may drag out the process hoping that the victim will give up and withdraw their claim.
Using Legal Loopholes
Insurance companies have a team of lawyers who will comb through the case to find legal loopholes that will weaken the case. They might claim that the statute of limitations has run out or that the victim had already signed away their rights before the incident occurred.
How to Protect Yourself Against Insurance Company Tactics
If you’ve ever had to deal with an insurance company after getting into a car accident, you know just how tricky and frustrating it can be. Insurance companies prioritize their own profits over the interests of their customers instead of helping them get properly compensated for damages. With the right knowledge and tools, however, consumers can level the playing field and protect themselves against these common insurance company tactics. Here are some useful tips on how to handle your interactions with an insurer when faced with challenging circumstances.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
After an injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doing so will establish the cause and effect of the injury and ensure that the injury is accurately documented in medical reports.
Save All Evidence Related to the Accident
Make sure to document everything related to the incident. Gathering evidence such as police reports, pictures, and contact information of witnesses will help strengthen your case.
Do Not Talk to The Insurance Company Without An Attorney
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before talking to the insurance company is necessary. A lawyer can provide guidance on what to say, what to avoid, and if the settlement offer is fair.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Brooklyn Today!
Dealing with an insurance company when filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you can protect yourself against insurance company tactics. By consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn at the Forzano Law Firm, you can fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (718) 372-1397 to schedule a consultation.