Car accidents are traumatic, and dealing with the aftermath of one can also cause trauma for many victims. One of the most frustrating aspects of the aftermath of a car accident is dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their profits than they are with fairly compensating accident victims. In this blog, we will discuss five tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying car accident victims and provide tips on how to defeat them.
Denying Liability
The first tactic insurance companies may try using to avoid paying is denying liability. This means that they will refuse to accept that their policyholder was at fault for the accident. The insurance company may argue that their policyholder wasn’t negligent, that you were partially responsible for the accident, or that there is not enough evidence to prove fault. If the insurance company denies liability, you will need to gather as much evidence as possible to prove that their policyholder was at fault.
Delaying Payment
Delaying payment is another tactic commonly used by insurance companies and their agents Insurance companies may drag their feet when it comes to paying out a settlement, hoping that the victim will become frustrated and accept a lower settlement offer. If an insurance company is delaying payment, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can put pressure on the insurance company to settle quickly.
Lowballing Settlement Offers
Following an accident, a victim can be desperate for money or simply not know what a fair settlement is. An insurance company can prey on these facts and may offer a settlement that is far less than what the victim’s claim is worth. In these cases, it’s important to work with an attorney who can negotiate with the insurance company and push for a fair settlement offer.
Discrediting Medical Evidence
Insurance companies may try to discredit medical evidence in order to reduce the value of a victim’s claim. They may argue that the victim’s injuries aren’t as severe as they claim or that they aren’t related to the accident. Let an experienced attorney help you gather all of your necessary medical evidence.
Using Recorded Statements Against You
Finally, insurance companies may use recorded statements against accident victims. They may ask leading questions or twist the victim’s words in an effort to weaken their claim. If an insurance company asks for a recorded statement, it’s important to work with an attorney who can prepare you for the statement and ensure that you don’t say anything that could hurt your claim.
Insurance companies are notorious for using tactics to avoid paying car accident victims. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights. By being aware of the tactics that insurance companies use, you can take steps to defeat them and get the compensation you deserve. Work with a Baton Rouge, LA car accident lawyer by reaching out to our Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC team members!