It’s pretty common for insurance adjusters to try and devalue your claim to save their company money. It’s frustrating, but there are ways to fight back. First, know your rights. Second, make sure you have a good lawyer on your side who understands insurance law. The expert can help you get the best possible settlement.
Finally, stay calm and collected throughout the process. The adjuster is trying to rattle you, but don’t let them get to you. Here are some of the most common tricks insurance adjusters use to devalue your claim:
1. Calling the plaintiff immediately after an accident
One of the most common tricks is to call the plaintiff immediately after an accident. The adjuster will try and get a statement from you while you’re still shaken up and confused about what happened. Doing so is a way for them to get you to say something that could be used to devalue your case.
Don’t talk to the adjuster on the phone or give them a statement. Instead, talk to lawyers such as the Law Office of John W. Redmann for advice on the steps to take. Better still, leave it all to an experienced lawyer.
2. Asking for medical records
Another common trick is to ask for medical records. The adjuster will try to get access to your medical records to look for pre-existing conditions to devalue your claim. Don’t give the insurance company access to your medical records. Talk to your lawyer first, and they will be able to help you protect your privacy.
3. Telling you the insurance company won’t pay
The adjuster might tell you that the insurance company won’t pay or that they are not liable. This is a common tactic to try and get you to give up. Don’t believe them. Talk to your lawyer, and they will be able to help you understand your rights and what you can do to get the compensation you deserve.
4. Creating confusion
When both parties have the same insurance company, adjusters will try to create confusion to devalue the claim. They might try to get you to sign a release or make some other agreement that is not in your best interests.
Other times, they’ll call you, and you’ll divulge some information, thinking you’re talking to your claim team when it’s the other party trying to get information to use against you. Be clear about who you’re talking to and what information you’re giving. If you’re ever in doubt, hang up and call your lawyer.
5. Delaying the claim
One of the most common ways insurance companies devalue use to devalue claims is by delaying them. The longer they can drag out the process, the less likely you will get the total value of your claim. They might stall by asking for more information, or they might drag their feet on making a decision. Don’t let them delay your claim. Talk to your lawyer and make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to move the process along.
Endnote
These are just some common tricks insurance adjusters use to devalue your claim. If you’ve been in an accident, have a good lawyer on your side who can protect your rights and get the best possible settlement for you.
