Don’t Be a Victim Twice: How Insurance Carriers Try to Diminish the Value of Your Accident Claim

Insurance Companies use many tactics to avoid making fair settlement offers to victims of motor vehicle accidents and scare them into taking a quick settlement. Many times this is done in order for the company to save a lot of money in defending their case and to get another file off the adjuster’s desk. 

Don’t be pressured into taking money that the insurance company offers you early on, even if you are told by the adjuster that your case has no merit despite the serious injuries you have. 

The following is a list of possible reasons the insurance company will give you for reducing the value of your claim:

  • You were not wearing a seatbelt and therefore you caused your own injuries.
  • You were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.
  • You exceeded the speed limit at the time of the accident.
  • Your car had seatbelt or airbag defects which contributed to your injuries.
  • You were not paying attention to the other cars on the road.
  • You exaggerated the other vehicle’s rate of speed to the police.
  • You failed to signal before changing lanes or turning and contributed to your accident.
  • No witnesses were at the scene to support your version of the accident.
  • Your injuries did not happen as a result of the accident.
  • You had injuries or medical conditions prior to the accident.
  • You did not go to the hospital from the scene of the accident.
  • The police did not come to the scene of the accident.
  • The emergency room records do not reflect the injuries or pain you are now complaining about.
  • You waited too long to seek medical attention.
  • You received treatment from a health care provider who is known in the industry to over treat and exaggerate injuries.
  • We know your lawyer and he or she will never go to trial.
  • You have a history of prior accident claims.
  • Your car had very little damage.
  • You were referred to your health care provider by your lawyer.
  • Our insurance company doctor reported that you had no injuries and do not need treatment.
  • You told the insurance company after the accident that you were fine and were not planning on going to the doctor.
  • You are not a United States Citizen.

Keep in mind that the insurance company would rather deal with you than an attorney you hire
because they know that these tactics can work and their claims payouts will be reduced.  In order to protect yourself, hire an experienced attorney who knows what the insurance companies don’t want you to know.
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