In this article, you can discover…
- Why insurance companies are so quick to call after an accident, and how to respond.
- The tactics these companies often use to pressure you into settling.
- How an attorney can help you navigate these conversations to your advantage.
Why Do Insurance Adjusters Contact Accident Victims So Quickly After A Crash?
Insurance companies are seeking to get injury claims resolved as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible. They can best achieve both of these by reaching out to you immediately and offering a quick but very low settlement amount. Insurance companies hope to pressure you into a very small settlement amount before you can speak with an attorney, understand the true value of your case, and move forward properly with your injury claim.
As a result, you should reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident and not speak with either the other person’s insurance company or even your own insurance company without your lawyer present.
What Tactics Do Car Insurance Adjusters Use To Pressure Early Settlements?
The tactics used by insurance companies are notorious and egregious. There was a well-known case in Florida where an insurance adjuster actually went to an accident victim while he was still recovering in the hospital and pressured him into signing a release for a lowball settlement.
Car insurance adjusters may also make settlement offers without disclosing policy limits, leaving you ignorant of how much is truly available. They may also make offers before the full extent of your injuries is fully obvious. They hope that the promise of quick cash will motivate you to immediately resolve your claim, leaving you unable to pursue the true and full value of that claim later.
Attorney Luke Moreau is a focused, experienced personal injury attorney serving Florida. Since 2013, he’s helped clients just like you handle insurance adjusters with skill, wisdom, and their legal interests in mind.
Have questions, or in need of superior representation? Contact the Law Office of Luke Moreau for an initial consultation today.
Why Shouldn’t I Speak With A Car Accident Insurance Adjuster Without An Attorney Present?
Anything you say to a car insurance company, especially on a recorded line, can be used by the insurance company to deny, delay, or diminish your claim. For example, the insurance adjuster may ask you something as seemingly harmless as “How are you doing today?” If you politely answer, “Fine, thank you!” they may point to this as evidence that you are, in fact, “fine” instead of injured and in pain.
They may also pressure you into a lowball settlement, and once you agree to their offer, you cannot ask for a higher amount later. As a result, you should only speak with an insurance adjuster if you have your personal injury present.
Secondly, insurance companies do not respect claims made by unrepresented claimants. If they deny your claim, the only option available to you is to file a lawsuit. If you are not represented by an attorney, the insurance company can safely assume that no lawsuit will be filed. Before speaking with the other party’s insurance company, make sure that you have first retained the services of an attorney to ensure your rights are respected.
Can An Insurer’s Bad Behavior Become A Legal Advantage?
Yes, sometimes the unethical behavior of an insurance adjuster can later prove to benefit my client. For example, I have handled a number of claims where the insurer started off by denying that coverage was even available under the given policy, only to admit later that they wrongfully denied coverage. I was able to get significant leverage from this to properly resolve those claims. In some cases, the insurance company was required to pay me extra for legal fees on top of the settlement payments made to my injured clients.
But to understand, navigate, and win against these tactics, you will need experienced and aggressive legal help. Never seek to take on the insurance companies alone. For the greatest chances of securing justice, a fair outcome, and the damages you need and deserve, reach out to the Law Office of Luke Moreau today.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on dealing with insurance adjusters in Florida, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (954) 278-7439 today.
Attorney Luke Moreau is a focused, experienced personal injury attorney serving Florida. Since 2013, he’s helped clients just like you handle insurance adjusters with skill, wisdom, and their legal interests in mind.
Have questions, or in need of superior representation? Contact the Law Office of Luke Moreau for an initial consultation today.
