Car accidents are unfortunate incidents that can change your life in an instant. They can leave you with injuries, property damage, and financial losses. After a car accident, you may be contacted by the insurance adjuster of the other driver’s company who will attempt to settle your claim quickly and for as little money as possible.
Unfortunately, many insurance adjusters use various tactics to trick you into giving up your car accident claim or accepting a lowball settlement offer. In this blog post, we’ll reveal some of the ways insurance adjusters try to take advantage of you and explain why it’s crucial to hire an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer to help win your settlement.
An Insurance Adjuster Only Cares About Their Company’s Profits
Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies, and their primary responsibility is to protect the financial interests of their employers. They are not there to help you or ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Instead, they want to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.
To achieve this goal, insurance adjusters will use various tactics to undermine your case’s value and persuade you into accepting a lower settlement offer. In some cases, they may even employ bullying or harassment tactics against vulnerable victims who don’t have legal representation. It’s essential always to remain calm and understand that these individuals do not represent your best interests in mind.
In the experience of an Irvine car accident lawyer, these are the most common tactics adjuster use to determine accident victims to give up their car accident claim:
They Will Exaggerate Your Percentage of Fault
One common trick that insurance adjusters use to reduce the value of your car accident claim is exaggerating your percentage of fault. They will try to put as much blame on you as possible to minimize their company’s liability.
Insurance adjusters may argue that you were partially responsible for the accident because you were driving above the speed limit, not wearing a seatbelt, or using your phone while behind the wheel. Even if it were so, California is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that you have the right to recover some damages, even if you are 99% at fault for your accident.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are not impartial parties and their goal is always profit maximization. By manipulating percentages of fault, they hope to reduce your settlement offer or deny it altogether.
To protect yourself from this tactic, it’s crucial that you work with an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer who knows how insurers operate and can negotiate on your behalf. A skilled attorney will ensure that any attempts at placing undue blame on you are challenged and corrected through evidence-based arguments.
They Will Exclude Various Treatments from Your Car Accident Claim
Insurance adjusters are notorious for trying to exclude various treatments from your car accident claim. They may argue that certain medical expenses are not necessary, or that they were caused by a pre-existing condition. This can leave you with hefty bills and no compensation.
One common tactic is to dispute the need for physical therapy or chiropractic care. Adjusters may say these treatments are “alternative” and therefore not covered under your policy. However, these types of treatments can be essential in treating injuries sustained in an accident and helping you get back to your normal routine.
Another way insurance adjusters try to exclude treatments is by disputing the need for diagnostic tests like MRIs or X-rays. They might claim that these tests weren’t necessary or that there was no indication of injury when they were performed. But without proper diagnosis, it’s impossible to know the extent of your injuries and how best to treat them.
In some cases, adjusters might also argue against mental health treatment like therapy or counseling, saying it’s not related to physical injuries sustained in the accident. However, the emotional trauma caused by a car accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses focused on profits – not necessarily on what’s best for you after a car accident. Instead of arguing with them, and making self-incriminatory statements in the process, let the adjuster know that your Irvine car accident lawyer will contact them to discuss your car accident claim.
Insurance Adjusters Often Say You Are Exaggerating Your Injuries
After a car accident, you may experience pain and discomfort that can last for weeks or even months. When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster assigned to your case will review your medical records and assess the extent of your injuries.
Unfortunately, some insurance adjusters are notorious for downplaying the severity of their client’s injuries. They may argue that your symptoms are not consistent with the type of injury sustained in the accident or suggest that you are exaggerating to receive a larger settlement.
It is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident and document any physical symptoms you experience. This documentation will serve as evidence if an insurance adjuster tries to discredit your claims.
While it may be frustrating when an insurance adjuster accuses you of exaggerating your injuries after a car accident; it’s important not to give up on fighting for proper compensation. Seek medical attention immediately after a crash, document everything carefully, hire legal representation and don’t let yourself get taken advantage off!
You Will Get a Lowball Settlement Conditioned by Signing a Waiver
One of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use to trick you into giving up your car accident claim is by offering a lowball settlement conditioned by signing a waiver. A waiver is essentially a document that releases the other party from any liability for damages caused in the accident. By signing it, you are forfeiting your right to pursue further legal action.
Insurance adjusters often pressure victims into accepting a quick settlement offer without fully understanding the extent of their injuries and losses. They know that many people need money fast after an accident and will be tempted to take whatever they can get, even if it’s far less than what they deserve.
It’s important to remember that once you sign a waiver, there’s no going back. You won’t be able to file another claim or seek additional compensation later on, even if your medical bills continue to pile up or your injuries worsen over time.
Let an Experienced Irvine Car Accident Lawyer Win Your Settlement!
If you’re ever involved in a car accident, it’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s profits. They will do whatever they can to minimize your claim and offer you a lowball settlement.
However, with the help of an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and build a strong case on your behalf.
Don’t let an insurance adjuster trick you into giving up your car accident claim. Contact an Irvine car accident lawyer at Crockett Law Group for a free consultation. With our expertise and guidance, you can achieve the best possible outcome for your case: 800-900-9393!
