Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Undervalue Car Accident Claims
When you regularly pay your insurance premiums on time, it's common to expect fair compensation after you've been involved in a car accident. However, the unfortunate reality is that insurance companies are not always on your side. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, sometimes at your expense.
At Abrahamson Law Office, we often hear from frustrated clients who’ve had their car accident claims undervalued by insurance companies. We are skilled in standing up for our clients' best interests and helping you recognize these undervaluing tactics so you can fight for the compensation you need.
Types of Common Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize the amount they must pay for car accident claims to protect their shareholders and maintain a strong financial position. This is an unfortunate reality, so it's important to be aware of the tactics your insurance company may use after you file a car accident claim.
Another strategy is to delay the claims process in order to frustrate or wear you down. The longer the process takes, the more likely they believe you’ll settle for less just to move forward. They may also use your own statements against you, twisting your words to diminish the value of your claim.
Initial Low Settlement Offers
After you file a claim, insurance companies will often present an immediate, low settlement offer in hopes that you’ll accept it without fully understanding the long-term costs of your recovery. They often target accident victims who are overwhelmed with medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost income.
By offering quick cash, insurers hope to entice you into settling before the full scope of your damages becomes clear. Unfortunately, once you accept their offer, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation.
Avoid accepting the first settlement without consulting an experienced attorney. Proper legal counsel can help you fully understand the value of your case, including future medical expenses, long-term care, and other unforeseen costs.
Disputing Liability
Insurance companies frequently contest liability as a tactic to reduce or deny payment altogether. By arguing that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident, they can justify offering less compensation, or none at all.
However, Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation for your accident so long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault. Insurers often try to exploit this to their advantage, so it's important to properly gather evidence and counter these arguments where possible.
Questioning the Extent of Your Injuries
Insurance companies may question the extent of your injuries or the necessity of your medical treatments. They may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or that the treatments you received were excessive or unrelated to the accident, implying that you are exaggerating your injuries to inflate your claim.
This is why thorough documentation is crucial. Keep detailed records of all your medical visits, prescriptions, and progress reports. Additionally, medical doctors can provide professional opinions that validate your treatment and connect your injuries directly to the accident.
Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies may also attempt to avoid responsibility by pointing to pre-existing conditions in your medical history. They may argue that your injuries were not caused exclusively by the accident but were instead an aggravation of an existing injury or ailment. However, you are still entitled to compensation if the accident worsened a pre-existing condition.
Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
Anything you post online, even casual photos or comments, can potentially be used against you by an insurance company. Insurance adjusters and investigators frequently monitor social media to find evidence that could downplay your injuries or contradict your claim.
For example, if you post a photo of yourself at a family gathering or participating in a light activity, they may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Once you file a claim, be cautious about what you share online and be mindful of the activities you engage in while your claim is ongoing.
Misrepresentation of Policy Terms
Insurance companies may also try to misinterpret or misrepresent the terms of your policy to limit their payout. For instance, they may argue that certain damages are not covered under your policy, or that caps or limits apply to your claim. These tactics can be especially overwhelming if you are not familiar with the language in your policy.
An attorney can carefully review all aspects of your policy to hold the insurance company accountable and make sure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under your coverage.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies often attempt to stall or drag out negotiations to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement out of financial desperation. Delays can work against you if they prevent you from filing lawsuits or gathering the evidence you need to strengthen your claim.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can recognize these delay tactics and work efficiently to keep the process moving forward. We can also help you meet important deadlines, such as Nebraska’s four-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Abrahamson Law Office, we’ve handled countless cases involving undervalued car accident claims, and we are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to reduce payouts. Our attorneys are dedicated to advocating for our clients to make sure they receive the compensation they deserve.
We will analyze every detail of your case, work with medical and forensic experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to pursue fair settlements. If necessary, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in court.
Reach Out to an Experienced Attorney Today
The claims process after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially when insurance companies try to take advantage of you. At Abrahamson Law Office, we are committed to protecting your interests and providing the guidance you need after an accident. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, we serve clients throughout Sarpy County, Douglas County, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.