Insurance Company Tactics To Be Aware of After A Car Accident In Philadelphia
Beyond dealing with potential injuries and vehicle damage, car accident victims must also navigate the complex process of filing an insurance claim. While insurance companies are supposed to be there to help, their primary goal is to minimize costs and payouts. Watching out for the following common tactics used by insurers can help you protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Quick Settlement Offers
After an accident, you might receive a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. While it may seem like a fast resolution to your troubles, these offers are often unreasonably low amounts designed to close the case quickly and cheaply.
Insurers may pressure you to accept the initial offer, suggesting that it’s the best you’ll get. They might imply that refusing could lead to lengthy delays or even a lower amount later on.
2. Downplaying The Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters often question the severity of your injuries. They might argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed, hoping to reduce the payout.
Insurers will meticulously comb through your medical records, looking for pre-existing conditions or inconsistencies that could be used to dispute the extent of your injuries.
3. Delaying the Process
By delaying the claims process, insurance companies hope to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement. They may repeatedly request more documentation, additional information, or unnecessary clarifications.
Prolonged delays can put financial strain on accident victims, especially if they are unable to work due to their injuries. This financial pressure might compel victims to accept a lower offer out of necessity.
4. Disputing Liability
Insurers may attempt to shift blame onto you or another party to reduce their liability. They might argue that you were partially or fully responsible for the accident.
Since Pennsylvania has comparative fault laws, insurance companies can argue that you share a percentage of the blame, which reduces the amount they owe.
5. Misinterpreting Your Policies
Policy Limits Confusion
Adjusters might misrepresent the limits and coverage of your policy, suggesting that you’re not entitled to certain benefits or higher compensation.
Fine Print
They may rely on the fine print and complex language of insurance policies to confuse or mislead you about what is covered.
6. Asking For Recorded Statements
Trick Questions
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements, ostensibly to get your side of the story. However, they might ask leading or trick questions to elicit responses that can be used to minimize your claim.
Inconsistencies
They will compare your recorded statement to any other statements you’ve made, looking for discrepancies that can be used against you.
7. Disputing Your Medical Treatments
Insurers may require you to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing, who might downplay your injuries or suggest less costly treatments.
They could argue that some of the treatments you’ve received are unnecessary or unrelated to the accident, refusing to cover those expenses.
8. Conducting Surveillance To Monitor Your Activities
Insurance companies sometimes conduct surveillance to monitor your activities. They might use this evidence to argue that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
They may also monitor your social media accounts, looking for posts, photos, or check-ins that contradict your injury claims.
9. Asking For A Medical Records Release
Insurers may ask you to sign broad medical authorizations, allowing them to access your entire medical history. This can be used to find pre-existing conditions or other factors to dispute your claim.
They might selectively use parts of your medical history to argue that your injuries are not as serious or are unrelated to the accident.
10. Discouraging Legal Representation
Insurance adjusters might discourage you from seeking legal representation, suggesting that lawyers will just take a cut of your settlement. In reality, an attorney can often help you recover more compensation even after fees .
Without legal expertise, you may be at a disadvantage when negotiating with experienced insurance adjusters.
11. Requiring You To Sign A Release Form
As part of a settlement, insurers often require you to sign a release form, waiving your right to pursue further compensation. Ensure that the settlement fully covers your current and future expenses before signing.
Be wary of settling too quickly, as some injuries may have long-term effects or require ongoing treatment, which should be accounted for in the settlement.
What Should I Do if an Insurance Company Asks for a Recorded Statement?
If an insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, politely decline and consult an attorney before agreeing. A lawyer can guide you on how to respond appropriately to avoid unintentional mistakes or admissions.
If you do decide to give a statement, stick to the facts, avoid speculating, and keep your answers brief. Always remember that you have the right to decline a recorded statement until you have sought legal counsel.
How Will I Know if a Settlement Offer is Too Low?
Figuring out if a settlement offer is too low involves comparing the offer against the total costs and damages incurred from the accident. Consider all medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and any pain and suffering.
Additionally, getting multiple repair estimates and reviewing your insurance policy details can offer further insights into whether the settlement is fair. If the amount seems to undervalue your expenses and future needs, it is likely too low.
How an Attorney Can Help
Hiring a lawyer after a car accident can be instrumental in protecting you from the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize their payouts. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer understands insurance law and the common strategies employed by adjusters.
They can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation that accurately reflects the extent of your injuries and damages. A lawyer will meticulously gather and present evidence, manage all communications with the insurance company, and provide guidance on what information to share and what to withhold. By handling these complex interactions, they will help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the claims process.