After a car accident, dealing with injuries, property damage, and emotional stress can be overwhelming. When an insurance company acts uncooperatively, the situation becomes even more frustrating. Whether they undervalue your claim, deny it altogether, or delay the process, it’s easy to feel powerless. Our friends at David & Philpot, PL discuss how a car accident lawyer can help you handle these challenges, advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line, but with the right legal support, you can stand up to these tactics and get the resolution you deserve.
Common Tactics Used By Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often employ strategies to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely. One common tactic is to offer a low initial settlement, hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation or lack of knowledge about your claim’s true value. These offers often fail to account for long-term medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Another tactic involves disputing liability. Adjusters may argue that you were partially or entirely at fault for the accident, even if the evidence doesn’t support their claim. By doing so, they attempt to reduce or eliminate their financial responsibility.
Delaying the claims process is another frequent issue. Some insurers stall communication or require unnecessary documentation, hoping you’ll give up or miss deadlines that could jeopardize your case.
These tactics are designed to wear you down, but a car accident lawyer can intervene to level the playing field.
How Lawyers Negotiate For Better Settlements
A skilled attorney knows how to counter the strategies used by insurance companies. They begin by thoroughly investigating the accident and gathering evidence to support your claim. This may include police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the scene.
With a clear picture of the damages, your lawyer calculates the full value of your claim, taking into account current and future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Armed with this information, they approach the insurer with a demand letter that outlines your case and the compensation you’re seeking.
During negotiations, lawyers use their knowledge of insurance laws and past case outcomes to push for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, your attorney can escalate the situation by filing a lawsuit and preparing to take the case to court. The prospect of litigation often motivates insurers to offer a reasonable settlement.
The Value Of Having Legal Representation During Disputes
Hiring a car accident lawyer to be by your side sends a clear message to the insurance company: you’re serious about your claim. Attorneys handle all communication with the insurer, preventing you from making statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you.
For example, if an adjuster asks how you’re feeling and you casually reply, “I’m fine,” they might use that statement to argue that your injuries aren’t severe. With an attorney managing the conversation, you can avoid these pitfalls and focus on your recovery.
Legal representation is especially valuable when disputes arise over liability or damages. Attorneys know how to present evidence effectively, challenge unfounded claims, and advocate for your rights in negotiations or court proceedings.
Steps To Take When An Insurer Is Acting In Bad Faith
Sometimes, insurance companies go beyond typical tactics and engage in bad faith practices, such as denying a valid claim without explanation or refusing to investigate it thoroughly. In these situations, a lawyer can hold the insurer accountable under the law.
If you suspect bad faith, start by documenting all interactions with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Share this information with your attorney, who can determine whether the insurer’s behavior violates any laws. If necessary, they can file a separate bad faith claim against the company, seeking additional damages for the stress and financial strain caused by their actions.
Taking Control Of Your Claim
Dealing with an uncooperative insurance company is frustrating, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the support of a car accident lawyer, you can protect your rights, challenge unfair tactics, and secure the compensation you need to move forward. By taking action early and working with experienced legal representation, you can turn a difficult situation into a positive resolution.