Insurance companies use various strategies to protect their profit margin and devalue valid car accident claims.
Some of these tactics include using recorded statements against you, blaming your injuries on a pre-existing condition, disputing liability, questioning medical treatment, delaying claim processing, and making quick settlement offers.
Here is what you need to know about each of these tactics and how to respond to them.
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Denver Car Accident Lawyers
Using Recorded Statements Against Claimants
One of the most commonly used tactics that insurance companies use against claimants is using their own words against them in the form of recorded statements. Some ways they do this is by:
- Asking for a recorded statement while a victim is dealing with painful injuries or on medication when they may not be as coherent or understand what is being asked of them
- Asking “How are you” and then using your “fine” response to argue you were not injured if you are “fine”
- Asking you about your injuries and recording the answer before you know their full extent
- Using statements you make that contradict the evidence later on to argue that you were lying
You can avoid this tactic by refusing to give the insurance adjuster a recorded statement and referring them to your layer.
Disputing Liability
The insurance company could try to argue that you or someone other than their insured is to blame for the accident and not their insured. Since Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents, this strategy can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve unless you can conclusively show the other driver was at fault for the accident.
Questioning Medical Treatment
Insurance adjusters may try to question whether you needed certain medical treatment and try to deny claims for payment for medical expenses, arguing that your treatment was excessive or unrelated to the accident. Insurance companies sometimes even hire their own medical experts to dispute the opinions of claimants’ medical providers.
Citing Pre-Existing Injuries
Insurance adjusters could also try to argue that you had suffered an injury from a previous situation or degenerative condition. They may use this as justification to deny your medical treatment costs.
One way they accomplish this is by asking claimants to sign medical records release forms. They may claim they are doing this to help process the claim or speed it up, but it’s usually to use against the claimant.
Delaying Claims Processing
Some insurance companies are known for delaying claims processing, trying to frustrate claimants into accepting any settlement they offer or giving up on their case altogether.
Making Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements, hoping that claimants will accept them. Others may make quick offers, hoping that claimants will accept them without getting legal advice first so that they don’t know that the claim is much more valuable than what the insurance company is offering.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Legal Assistance
You don’t have to deal with insurance companies alone. You can turn to the legal team at Dulin McQuinn Young for assistance. Call us today for a free consultation.