After your car accident, the claims adjuster will likely put on the charm, acting friendly to make you think that they are there to help. This tactic is a common one used to get you to cooperate – and to minimize their payout. Indeed, there are key insurance company tactics and you need to be prepared.
During the days ahead you need to focus on healing, not haggling with the insurance company. Do not fall for the insurance company’s ploys to reduce the amount of your car accident settlement. Let the Hoffman Law Firm handle your personal injury claim instead!
If you have been injured in a car crash, watch out for these common tactics used to reduce your compensation.
Require a Recorded Statement
The insurance company may try to get you to say something on record immediately after your accident, then use it to prove your liability. A flood of adrenaline and shock after your car crash could keep you from feeling the full extent of your injuries, so do not allow the insurance company to bully you into recording a statement.
You can – and should – ask to speak to your Charleston car accident lawyer first. Our team, based here in Charleston County, will handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring you get the settlement offer you deserve.
Rush You Into A Low Settlement
A quick settlement might seem like a victory, especially for accident victims who need cash fast. But keep in mind that this is likely another attempt to avoid paying out the real value of the car accident claim. In most cases, not enough research was done before making these “lowball settlement” offers. Your injuries may not have even had time to fully present themselves! For these reasons, never accept the first car accident settlement offer.
Your Charleston car accident attorney can help determine a fair settlement for the damages, considering the following:
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Medical bills
- Cost of ongoing care (if necessary)
- Lost wages
- Property damage (vehicle repairs, etc)
- Future disability
Follow Your Social Media Accounts
It is best to stay off social media after your accident. The insurance company may use anything you post (pictures, location check-ins, tagged posts) against you – even if it seems completely innocent to you! Their goal is to use your social media activity to prove that your injury is not as serious as you claim or that you are partly responsible. They will then use this as justification for paying you less.
Ask For Access To Your Medical Records
Insurance adjusters may learn personal information about you, using it to cast doubt on the fact that your injuries were the direct result of your car crash. This tactic is used to avoid full liability and pin your symptoms on a pre-existing condition. Never sign over your medical records without consulting with your Charleston injury lawyer first!
Trust Hoffman Law Firm – Not The Insurance Company!
No matter how friendly they seem, remember that the insurance adjuster is not on your side. They may even try to tell you that hiring a lawyer is unnecessary or expensive, but this is absolutely not the case!
At Hoffman Law Firm, our Charleston car accident lawyers offer free consultations here at our North Charleston office. We will protect you from these common insurance company tactics. Our team will work with the insurance company directly – so you do not have to.
Trust our team to handle your claim, and to file a lawsuit if necessary to get the compensation you deserve. Our Charleston law firm of injury lawyers also handle a variety of other cases, including Workers’ Compensation, medical malpractice and more. To schedule your free consultation today, contact Hoffman Law Firm!