Familiar Pressure Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters
In the aftermath of an accident injury, dealing with insurance companies can be intimidating. On top of an accident victim feeling sheepish or fearful, the insurance professional they are interacting with may have a primary goal of settling the claim quickly and for as little compensation as possible. It’s important to take steps to protect your rights, a Bucks County personal injury attorney can help.
Strategies that May Be Employed
When insurance adjusters are trying to persuade claimants to accept lowball settlements, they may employ various pressure tactics. Seasoned injury attorneys are well-versed in recognizing insurance adjuster tactics and advocating for fair compensation on behalf of their clients.
Some familiar pressure tactics used by insurance adjusters:
- Quick offers. One of the most common tactics used by insurance adjusters is to make a swift settlement offer soon after the accident. They may present this offer as a gesture of goodwill, hoping to capitalize on the victim’s vulnerability and urgency for financial assistance. However, accepting an offer without reviewing all of the expenses involved can be detrimental as it may undervalue the full extent of the damages incurred.
- Delay strategies. On the flip side, insurance companies may employ delaying tactics to wear down claimants and force them into accepting inadequate settlements out of frustration. They may prolong the claims process by requesting unnecessary documentation or scheduling multiple assessments.
- Offering low amounts. Perhaps the most blatant pressure tactic used by insurance adjusters is offering lowball settlements that fall significantly short of covering the victim’s damages. These initial offers are often calculated based on minimum payouts and may not account for future medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
- Downplaying harm sustained. Insurance adjusters may downplay the severity of injuries sustained by the victim, arguing that the injuries are minor or pre-existing and reducing the compensation amount. Attorneys can counter these tactics by providing medical evidence and expert testimony to establish the true extent of the injuries.
- Threatening litigation. In some cases, insurance adjusters may resort to threatening litigation if the claimant refuses to accept their terms. They might suggest that pursuing legal action will be time-consuming, costly, and uncertain, hoping to intimidate the victim into settling for less.
It is important to recognize that even if a representative from an insurance company suggests that you don’t have options, you do. In reality, a reputable injury lawyer isn’t someone who will waste your time and money, they are quite simply a professional who will tell you the truth. They are un-swayed by insurance adjuster threats and are prepared to take all of the steps necessary in order for justice to prevail.
Is an insurance adjuster pressuring you to accept an offer you believe is far too low? The legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. has the knowledge and experience to recognize pressure tactics and effectively counter them. By seeking legal representation early in the claims process, victims can level the playing field and pursue the compensation they rightfully deserve. Call 215-968-6602 to schedule a consultation.
