3 Strategies Insurance Companies Use to Cheat Claimants out of Fair Compensation
If you are injured in a car accident, you should expect the insurance company to call you or contact you in person to obtain a recorded statement. The insurance adjuster might say that this statement will speed up the claims process or improve your situation; however, the real purpose of this statement is to gather information or testimony to use against you.
Insurance companies are businesses, and they have financial incentive to deny and undervalue claims. The best way to avoid being cheated by the insurance company is to hire an experienced personal-injury attorney.
If you were in a car crash in California, turn to Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith will help you navigate the claims process. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to deny and undervalue claims, and we will help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 855-290-8080 today to schedule a free consultation with a personal-injury attorney in San Diego.
Read on to learn about three common strategies insurance companies use to deny and undervalue claims:
- Recording Your Statements over the Phone
As previously mentioned, you should never make recorded statements to the insurance company. In fact, immediately after your crash, it is best that you contact an accident lawyer to handle correspondence with the insurer. As The Fundamentalist explains, one misguided statement could cause the insurance company to deny or undervalue your claim.
- Offering a Low Settlement Quickly
If you were seriously injured, then you might be worried about mounting medical bills and lost wages. Insurance companies know that many claimants cannot afford these expenses, and they take advantage of the situation by offering a low settlement quickly.
If you accept this settlement and sign a release, you will not be able to claim further compensation. This mistake could lead to overwhelming debt if you underestimate the time it will take for you to recover from your injuries and return to work. You should never accept a settlement without the approval of your personal-injury attorney.
- Analyzing Your Social Media Accounts for Sensitive Information
Your accident lawyer may advise that you stay off social networks until your case has finalized. There’s a good reason for this: The insurance company could examine your social profiles for evidence to use against you. For example, if you claim that your neck pain is so severe that you cannot complete daily tasks, and you post a photo of you doing a physical activity, this evidence could undermine the credibility of your claim.
If you were hurt in a car crash in California, contact Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith will help you avoid mistakes and fight for the highest possible payout.
Call 855-290-8080 today to arrange a free consultation with an accident lawyer in San Diego. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about car accident injury claims in California.
