A personal injury attorney is familiar with the strategies employed by insurance adjusters to circumvent, undermine, or postpone the processing of your claim. Consult RSH Legal – Iowa Personal Injury Lawyers for guidance on potential defenses while dealing with insurance companies.
Typical Strategies Used by Insurance Adjusters
- Accessing your medical records requires your permission.
Providing the insurance with access to your medical information may appear reasonable at first glance; nevertheless, this is simply another tactic they will try to discredit your claim. The insurance company will hunt for any excuse to reduce the amount they pay out on your claim, no matter how unrelated these details seem to your accident.
- Making a hasty, low-ball offer
Because insurance adjusters know how desperate you may be for money, they may make you a lowball offer to settle your case quickly after an accident. By signing a full release, you effectively waive any claim for further compensation if your medical condition deteriorates.
- Keeping an eye on you
If someone were to catch you doing ordinary things like putting out the trash or cutting the grass, it could hurt your claim. Proof of this kind could be utilized to accuse you of insurance fraud, and it is easy to exaggerate someone’s condition when taken out of context.
- Refusing to represent you in court
Insurance adjusters may try to talk you out of getting a lawyer. They might assure you that your personal injury claim will be handled fairly. The truth is that they are well aware that these strategies will backfire the moment legal representation is sought.
Preventing Unnecessary Practices by Insurance Adjusters
The personal injury claims process can be more straightforward if you are well-informed about your rights and have researched.
If your claim is blatantly rejected or provides inaccurate information on the scope of your insurance policy, it is imperative that you carefully review the original policy agreement. Please get a written copy of the policy if you are unable to find it. Speak with a lawyer if the adjuster still will not do it;
They request your permission to reveal your medical records; you are within your rights to decline. Upon initiation of the personal injury claim, you will only receive accident-related medical records;
Subjects you to monitoring, even if you are unaware of it. You should always act as if someone is watching you. Do not try to accomplish everyday activities without help, as your doctor has advised, and
They try to get you to accept a low settlement; resist the urge. This sum will often need to cover all of your injury-related expenses. Before negotiating, be careful and set aside a fair amount of money. Seek legal counsel before signing any documents.