5 Tactics The Insurance Company Could Use To Devalue Or Deny Your Car Accident Claim
After a person is injured in a Florida car accident because of another driver’s negligence, they are entitled to compensation for their damages. However, just because someone is entitled to compensation does not mean they are guaranteed to recover compensation. Others do not recover the amount they deserve after filing a car accident claim against an at-fault party. Unfortunately, after you file a car accident claim against the negligent driver who caused you injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company could devalue or deny your car accident claim even if you have a strong case.
So, how do insurance companies deny or devalue car accident claims even in cases where a claimant has a strong case? Insurance companies employ dirty tricks to devalue or deny car accident claims. Below is a look at five tactics the at-fault driver’s insurance company could use to devalue or deny your car accident claim.
Asking for a Recorded Statement
It might seem like providing the at-fault party’s insurance company with a recorded statement will help your case. When asked for a recorded statement, you might be willing to cooperate, thinking that the statement is needed to handle your claim. But the truth is that an insurance company does not require a recorded statement to handle a car accident claim, and if you provide a recorded statement, the chances are, it will only hurt your case. Insurance adjusters ask for recorded statements with the hope that they will find information about the accident or claimant’s injuries they can use later in the case. Remember, the insurance company is not your friend. They are looking for ways to deny the claim or reduce the value of the claim. Even something as innocuous as giving your address or your siblings names can possibly affect your claim.
Delaying the Process
For example, the insurance company could drag on the investigation process. Usually, insurance companies delay the settlement process so claimants can get tired and accept less than they are owed or give up pursuing compensation altogether. Time is on THEIR side when you are spending money out-of-pocket for medical bills and car repairs.
Giving You a Quick Offer
It might be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. While it is understandable why you want to settle your case as fast as possible, you should keep in mind that the first settlement offer from the insurance company is usually far less than the claim’s full value. To ensure you recover the compensation you deserve, you should only accept a settlement offer at a time when you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. NEVER sign a release or cash a settlement check before speaking with an attorney.
Misrepresenting the Insurance Coverage
An insurance adjuster can lie about the amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party has. They might tell you the at-fault party does not have enough insurance coverage to compensate you for all your damages when the truth is the at-fault party has enough coverage to pay you for all your damages. A qualified attorney can help you determine a defendant’s insurance policy limits.
Disputing Liability
For instance, the insurance company could claim you are partially at fault for your car accident and are barred from recovering compensation. In Florida, this is not true. The state follows the comparative negligence rule, which allows a car accident victim to recover compensation from an at-fault party even if they are partially at fault for their accident.
Contact a Coral Springs Car Accident Lawyer
The best way to avoid falling for these and many other tactics is to hire an attorney to help you with your car accident case. Our Coral Springs car accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder are here for you.
