When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, insurance is your main source of compensation for damages. However, their goal is to settle your claim as soon as possible, for as little as possible. To achieve this goal, they can engage in a range of subtle or more direct tactics to pressure victims into settling quickly. When faced with such tactics, it is important to have your car accident lawyer in Brooklyn by your side to protect your interests. In this post, we will explain how insurance companies pressure victims to settle and what you can do to respond and protect your rights.
What are the tactics used to pressure victims?
The first step to protecting yourself against insurance company pressure tactics is knowing what they look like. Here are some of the most common pressure tactics you can come across during the entire settlement process.
Presenting quick, lowball offers
Insurance companies will be quick to offer a settlement immediately after the accident. The general rule of thumb is not to accept this offer. This offer is usually presented before you know the full extent of your damages, and accepting the early offer would prevent you from claiming more later on.
Creating false urgency
The insurance adjuster can claim that such a ‘good deal’ is only available for a limited time, or the delay in accepting the settlement can hurt your case.
Downplaying your injuries
The insurance company can sometimes suggest that the injuries were not the result of the accident but due to pre-existing conditions or other factors that are not covered by the policy. The idea is to show that you have gone ahead with unnecessary medical treatments.
The “3D’s” (Delay, Deny, Defend)
Insurance companies will not shy away from deliberately slowing down the claims process. This can take the form of ignoring calls and denying legitimate claims to cause financial frustration and put you in a position of having to accept whatever settlement they decide to offer.
Soliciting recorded statements
An insurance adjuster will most likely ask you for a recorded statement about the details of the accident. Do not provide this statement since your settlement will be restricted to this statement, preventing you from claiming additional compensation for any damages or complications suffered afterward.
What steps can you take to protect your claim?
Now that you know what to expect from your insurance company, here’s what you can do to protect your rights and increase the likelihood of walking away with a favorable settlement.
- Be patient. The pressure tactics are designed to break down your defenses and put you in a vulnerable position. Understand that settling claims will take some time and that you need to keep everything organized to help you succeed.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Manhattan to understand your rights and go through your insurance policy.
- Get all your documents and evidence in order. You will have an easier time proving your case and refuting any false accusations from the other side.
- Do not sign any document without your lawyer having first gone through it.
- Do not make any recorded statements about the accident, and do not speculate about unknown factors.
- Direct all your communications to your legal representative.
- Go to the settlement negotiation with your lawyer by your side. Your car accident lawyer in NYC should be familiar with the insurance playbook and help you successfully navigate the negotiations.
Conclusion
Your insurance policy will be your primary source of compensation after a car accident. However, insurance companies will try their level best to minimize their liability and reduce your payout. The goal is simple—close the case quickly and cheaply. The best way to prevent this from happening is to get the help and guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer in NYC.
You don’t need to face your insurance company alone. At Gabriel Law, our team handles insurance claims on a daily basis, and we understand the insurance playbook like the back of our hands. If you want to obtain the services of our experienced advocates, don’t delay. Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.