Insurance Adjuster Tricks To Pay Less For Your Injury Claim

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts for personal injury claims to protect the company’s bottom line. And, most are very good at what they do. While experienced personal injury lawyers find their tactics ridiculous and boring, they do tend to work fairly well on unrepresented injury victims. In fact, the insurance institute reported that injury victims typically receive 3x more when represented by a personal injury lawyer.

If you are considering representing yourself (not recommended for most cases) or just want to know some common tricks, here are a few of the more common tactics used:

Quick Settlement Offers

Adjusters may offer a quick settlement soon after the accident, often before the full extent of your injuries and damages are known. They hope you’ll accept a lower amount out of desperation or lack of understanding of your rights.

Downplaying Injuries

Adjusters may downplay the severity of your injuries or suggest that they are pre-existing or unrelated to the accident. They may use your medical records or statements against you to undermine your claim.

Delaying Tactics

Insurance companies may delay the claims process by requesting unnecessary paperwork, additional documentation, or medical records. This delay can frustrate claimants into accepting a lower settlement.

Lowball Offers

Adjusters may make initial settlement offers that are significantly lower than the true value of your claim. They rely on the hope that you’ll accept a lesser amount to avoid a prolonged negotiation process.

Questioning Liability

Adjusters may try to shift or dispute liability for the accident, claiming you were partially or fully at fault. This tactic can reduce the amount they are willing to pay for your claim. This is done even when a police report is very clear as to fault. The adjusters know that you are unlikely to know how to properly file a lawsuit and will not be able to fight their shifting of liability.

Using Recorded Statements

Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement about the accident. Be cautious, as they may use your words against you or twist your statements to minimize your claim’s value.

Disputing Medical Treatment

Insurance companies may dispute the necessity or extent of your medical treatment. They may argue that certain treatments or procedures were excessive or unrelated to the accident.

Offering Lump Sum Payments

Instead of covering ongoing medical expenses or future damages, adjusters may offer a lump sum settlement that seems substantial but may not adequately cover long-term costs or future complications. This can become very risky and a costly mistake for those who receive any financial assistance through medicare, medicaid, or any other subsidized medical plan as well as ERISA plans. You will be surprised by what you are required to pay back (subrogation) even if it means that you get nothing in your pocket after all of your care. You can even end up financially upside down!

Ignoring Emotional Distress

Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life are subjective and not easily quantifiable. Adjusters may try to minimize or exclude these damages from your claim.

Threatening Litigation

Adjusters may suggest that if you don’t accept their offer, you may receive nothing if the case goes to court, or that litigation will be lengthy and costly.

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An Attorney Can Appropriately Value A Case & Its Risks

To navigate these tactics effectively, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your rights, the true value of your claim, and to consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who can advocate for your best interests and help you negotiate a fair settlement.

You Are Presumed To Know The Law

Even if you are not represented by a lawyer, you are presumed to know the law, including the rules about subrogation. This is usually the biggest shock when it comes to injury cases, including those who are represented. Do not make the mistake of being uninformed regarding what you will be required to pay back for your care and do not trust someone in a billing department or an insurance adjuster regarding this issue.

We take calls every year from people who have to pay back tens of thousands of medical bills after they accepted a personal injury settlement that did not cover the medical costs. Once your case is settled and documents are signed, it is too late to undo this terrible mistake.

If you or a loved one was injured in western Washington due to no fault of your own, reach out to our attorneys for help. (360) 509-5577

Note: We do not take LNI/Workers Comp cases or slip and fall cases.

Ryan and Jen Witt of Witt Law Group, Kitsap County defense and personal injury lawyers

Get help now

Whether you choose to handle your case alone or engage the Witt Law Group, being informed and prepared is essential. Early involvement of an attorney can significantly impact your chances of a fair recovery, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle negotiations with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for your injuries.

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