Three Tactics Insurance Companies Use to Reduce or Deny Accident Claims

When you have been hurt in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, or carelessness, you may be able to file a claim against them for compensation. If you are successful, compensation can help you recover your medical expenses, lost income, and other physical and emotional losses.

Filing a personal injury claim with the liable party, though, means you must file a claim with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. Filing an insurance claim is extremely difficult and insurers will use many tactics to reduce and deny these claims. Below, our Tampa personal injury attorney outlines the three most common tactics used by insurers.

Delaying the Process 

One of the oldest tactics insurance companies use is to delay the claims process. They may do this by constantly asking you for documents that may not be necessary, or by telling you that your previous paperwork was incomplete when it was not. One reason insurance companies try to delay claims is so you will become tired of the process and give up. Or, they are hoping that you will become so frustrated with the process that you accept a lower settlement amount.

Insurance companies may also try to delay claims to run out the statute of limitations, or time limit. If the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from obtaining any compensation at all and the insurance company will be shielded from liability.

Using Your Words Against You

Insurance adjusters will obtain statements from all relevant parties after an accident. One reason they do this is so they can use the accident victim’s words against them. For example, after a car accident you may say, ‘I did not even see their vehicle coming.’ While you say this to indicate the other motorist was driving recklessly, the insurer will take the words out of context. They will argue that you did not see the other vehicle because you were not paying attention. They do this to argue that you contributed to or caused the crash and reduce or deny compensation.

Do not speak to any insurance company until you have representation from a Tampa personal injury attorney. A lawyer will speak to the insurer on your behalf and ensure nothing is said that can be used against you.

Denying Liability 

Accidents involving multiple parties are some of the most severe, but they also present a good opportunity for insurance companies. In these instances, insurers will shift the blame to each other in an attempt to avoid paying damages. Filing a lawsuit is almost always necessary when multiple parties share blame for an accident.

Our Personal Injury Attorney in Tampa Can Negotiate with Insurers on Your Behalf 

If you have been hurt in an accident caused by another person’s carelessness or wrongdoing, our Tampa personal injury attorney at Moore Law can help. We can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensure your rights are protected, and help you obtain the full compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the help you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html