If you have been in a car accident or sustained a slip and fall injury, you may be tempted to simply work with the insurance company in order to get a settlement for your damages. After all, that is what insurance is there for! And while it is true that your insurance provider is obligated in many cases to provide reimbursement, there are some insurance company tactics you should be aware of that may limit their monetary compensation to you.
If you have sustained minor damage, you may be perfectly safe in dealing with the insurance company directly. However, if you have sustained medical injury, have medical bills, are seeking to make a claim with the other party’s insurance company, or find yourself in a legal situation – you will want to hire a personal injury lawyer right away.
If you have been in a car accident or sustained an injury due to someone else’s negligence, the insurance company is oftentimes motivated to “make the situation go away” for as little money as possible. Here are some of the insurance company tactics you should keep an eye out for, and hire representation to protect you and your future.
1. The insurance company will tell you to proceed with medical treatment and that they will pay your bills. But when the medical bills arrive, the insurance company says they will only cover a portion of the cost.
2. They offer a settlement quickly after the accident. You may still be dealing with injury, confused or unsure of your long-term medical prognosis – and therefore taking a settlement offer immediately is almost always detrimental. Their first offer is rarely representative of the standard settlements given when parties have legal counsel. If you assume an insurance company’s good faith and accept their offer, you have no recourse if you find out later that you received less than you deserved.
3. The place a deadline on their offer, making it seem like you may lose out if you do not act quickly. You should never accept an offer of settlement until after your medical treatment is completed and you understand the long term implications of your injury, such as income loss or reduced physical capability.
4. Insurance adjusters are often friendly, personable, and empathetic. It is easy to assume that they are on your side and looking out for your best interest. They may even suggest that an attorney is not necessary. This should be a red flag that you should speak with a Sarasota personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
5. They will try to place blame for your medical issues on pre-existing conditions, or argue the severity of your medical condition.
6. They may ask for a recorded statement from you. This may seem harmless, but can often be used against you in your case. (Read here about how insurance companies may use your social media accounts against you.)
7. If you do not accept an early offer, they will often delay the processing of your claim in order to frustrate you. They understand that you may need the money. Therefore the longer they make you wait, the more likely you are to accept a lesser amount from them.
While we do not want to disparage every insurance company, you must be aware of the fact that insurance company tactics are designed to protect themselves and pay out as little money as possible. Calling a personal injury attorney as soon as practicable after your accident is a smart move. Not only can we help you to understand your coverage and help you to assess any offers, but we are well aware of the legal precedents set in similar cases, and how much money you are likely due based upon your situation.
Probinsky & Cole are the team of experienced personal injury attorneys that you need. If you have been injured in an accident, call us today.
