After an accident, the process of recovering damages seems straightforward. Submit evidence of who is at fault and document the details of your losses. Expecting the insurance company to cover the cost seems simple. Yet, insurance companies use several common tactics to deny your claims and, as a result, create a frustrating process.
By working with a Nashville personal injury attorney, you reduce the risk of these incidents happening, as your lawyer will typically handle all of the communication necessary. Consider some of the most common tactics that could cost you greatly.
Settle Fast
They may encourage you to settle your claim quickly within a matter of days. They may seem very helpful in the process. Yet, settling it too quickly could mean that you do not document all of your losses. You could learn about additional medical needs or face added vehicle repairs. If you agree to a settlement before that, you may not be able to recover additional damages.
Delaying the Claims Process
On the other side of the spectrum, the insurance company may continue to ask for more details and more evidence. Their objective is to delay the process. The longer they do so, the more frustrated you may become, especially if you need those funds to pay your bills. The tactic here is to frustrate you enough to settle for less than you are owed.
Tricking You to Say You Are Okay
Insurance adjusters are often very nice and friendly people. They may even make it seem like they genuinely care about you. This type of strategy, along with the “just calling to check up on you” method, can put you at a real disadvantage. If you tell them you are doing well or that your doctor’s appointment showed improvement, they could use that against you. Aim to treat insurance companies with a bit more distance without being rude to them.
Trying to Limit Your Ability to Take Longer
Some insurance companies will encourage you just to settle now and not speak to your car accident lawyer in Nashville. They may say, “There is nothing more to get from your claim, and that will just delay the process.” Some may even make statements that they will help you so that you do not have to hire an attorney.
Some may even send letters stating that if you fail to agree by a certain time, they will settle your claim and close your case. The key to remember here is that if you have a legitimate claim, the insurance company does not have the right to pressure you into settling fast. You have to alert them to the incident and demonstrate they are obligated to pay for your losses, but you do not have to settle immediately or even when they send you an offer. If they tell you that this is the highest offer they will make, turn to an attorney.
When you bring an experienced Nashville trucking accident lawyer to the case, the tables are turned. They can no longer tell you how to navigate the process, nor make you feel like you have no choice but to settle. With a free, no-obligation consultation available through most attorneys, there is no reason not to contact a lawyer to find out if the insurance company is treating you fairly.