Tag Archives: car insurance

Top 7 Dirty Tricks Insurance Companies Use After an Accident

30 September
2020

If you suffered injuries and losses after an accident that was a result of someone else’s negligence, you may have the legal right to receive a settlement from that person’s insurance company to cover your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many insurance companies will use manipulative tactics and dirty tricks following an accident in order to pay the minimum amount possible to a victim of an accident. The following are some of the unscrupulous tactics that an insurance company may use following an accident in order to pay the minimum amount possible to a victim.

  1. Settle Quickly

Many insurance companies will attempt to settle with a victim as soon as possible in order to provide a low settlement and close the case. Unfortunately, many victims feel overwhelmed with their astronomical medical bills; their inability to return to work resulting in lost wages as a result of their injuries; property damage to a vehicle making it impossible for them to drive anywhere, and overall pain and suffering resulting from physical or psychological trauma following the accident. Insurance companies understand this and will use it to their advantage to offer low settlement amounts quickly, in the hopes that a suffering victim will simply take the money.

  1. Prevent You From Seeing a Doctor or Requiring You to See Their Doctor

Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible for medical bills, and therefore, they may attempt to deter you from visiting a doctor at all. In other cases, they may indicate that it is a requirement that you visit with their recommended doctor instead. You have the legal right to pursue any medical care you need to ensure your health.

  1. Failing to Disclose the Value of the Insurance Policy

Many insurance companies work hard to keep the value of the insurance policy a secret for as long as possible. This is an attempt to prevent a victim from receiving the amount they deserve under the law.

  1. Delay and Stall Tactics

Insurance companies know that a victim only has a limited amount of time to file a claim in court, and they will intentionally delay the entire process in order to prevent a victim from filing a claim in a court of law within the statute of limitations.

  1. Making the Claim Process Intentionally Difficult

Many insurance companies add layers and layers of bureaucracy in order to frustrate victims and hope that they either give up or fail to actually fill out the necessary paperwork in order to obtain the compensation they deserve.

  1. Attempting to Get You to Go to Their Repair Shop

Many insurance companies want you to go to their specially-selected repair shop which will ensure that they will pay as little as possible for your property damage portion of your claim.

  1. Requesting a Full Medical History

Insurance companies may attempt to request a full medical history in an attempt to find something in your past that could be responsible for your current medical illnesses or injuries — a “pre-existing condition.” Victims do not have the legal responsibility to disclose a full medical history to insurance companies following an accident.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you suffered injuries or losses in an accident, consider visiting with an experienced personal injury attorney today at The Law Office of Daniel H. Rose at 415-946-8900 or online who can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure your legal rights remain protected.

Top Five Things Car Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know

17 June
2020

If you are ever involved in a car accident that results from someone else’s negligence, you will likely have to deal with an insurance company in order to obtain a settlement to compensate you for your injuries and losses. You should never expect that an insurance company has your best interest in mind during these negotiations. Learn the top five things car insurance companies do not want you to know regarding the process of attempting to receive the compensation you deserve after an accident.

They Will Make Filing and Paying a Claim Obnoxiously Long

The longer an insurance company draws out the process regarding a settlement offer, the longer they do not actually have to pay a victim. Additionally, some insurance companies hope that the long process will frustrate a victim so much that they will simply accept a lower settlement offer than they deserve. With mounting medical bills and life expenses, coupled with an inability to return to work, insurance companies know that victims count on settlements in order to pay daily expenses. Additionally, if they wait long enough to pay, a victim may fail to realize that the statute of limitations to file a claim in court has passed, leaving them with no legal ability to file a claim for the compensation they deserve.

Insurance Company Doctors Are Not Trustworthy

Insurance adjusters will always refer you to one of their doctors regarding your medical injuries in an attempt to find reasons to not fully pay a fair settlement claim. Doctors recommended by insurance companies will often attempt to find pre-existing conditions, arguing that your medical injuries are not the result of an accident at all. These tactics are simply used to discredit victims and minimize the amount of compensation offered as a settlement. Always make sure to visit your own doctor or medical professional in order to receive proper evaluation and treatment.

The Insurance Adjuster is Not Your Friend

Insurance adjusters will always come across as friendly and helpful. Many will ask simple questions such as how are you feeling today? If you say fine, they could use this answer against you regarding a lower settlement offer. Never make the assumption that the insurance adjuster is your friend. Most will sound very friendly and have manipulative tactics that attempt to endear themselves to victims. However, they have a vested interest in attempting to have you accept the lowest settlement offer possible. Never discuss anything with your adjuster that you do not have to, never offer complete medical records, and never allow yourself to be recorded.

The Insurance Company Does Not Want You to Sue

While an insurance company may use manipulative tactics in order to delay providing victims with appropriate settlement offers, they truly do not want a victim to sue for compensation following an accident. If a victim makes the decision to sue an insurance company for a fair and just settlement, they will have to expend additional resources and money in order to fight that lawsuit. This will only provide additional financial losses to the insurance company. Therefore, make sure to always stand your ground as it will likely provide you more of an opportunity to get the fair and just settlement that you deserve.

You Will Have a Lower Settlement Amount Without an Attorney

The truth is that you will likely have a lower settlement amount offered by an insurance company if you are not represented by an attorney. Insurance companies have adjusters who know manipulative tactics in order to get a victim to accept a lower settlement amount than they deserve. However, attorneys know these deceptive tactics and how to address them directly. If you suffered injuries and losses as a result of a car accident, make sure you have strong legal representation to get the settlement you deserve. Contact The Law Office of Daniel A. Rose as soon as possible, and our experienced accident lawyers will help you negotiate with the insurance company. Call for a free consultation today at 415-946-8900 or visit us online.