After a motor vehicle accident, victims expect their insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance to offer a fair settlement. But for many people, that expectation turns into a harsh lesson: insurance companies often undervalue accident claims, leaving victims with less than they deserve. Why does this happen, and what can be done about it?
Let’s break down the tactics insurers use and how motor vehicle accident lawyer fight back to protect your rights.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Claims
Insurance companies are businesses. Their top priority isn’t helping accident victims, it’s protecting their bottom line. Paying out full, fair settlements eats into profits, so many insurers use subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) strategies to reduce claim payouts.
Here’s how they often do it:
1. Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers
After a crash, insurers may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. It may seem like a relief, especially when medical bills are piling up, but these early offers are often far below what your claim is truly worth. They hope you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries or damages.
2. Disputing Medical Treatment
Insurance adjusters may claim your medical treatments were “excessive” or “unnecessary.” Sometimes, they argue that pre-existing conditions not the accident caused your injuries. This tactic can drastically reduce the compensation offered for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
3. Blaming You for the Accident
Even in clear-cut cases, insurers may argue that you were partially or entirely at fault. Why? Because under comparative negligence rules in many states, your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your fault. The more blame they shift to you, the less they have to pay.
4. Delaying the Process
Time is a powerful tool for insurance companies. By dragging out your claim, they hope financial pressure will force you to settle for less. Some victims give up altogether or accept a lower offer just to move on.
5. Using Algorithms to Undervalue Claims
Some insurance companies use software to evaluate claims. While it might seem efficient, these systems often undervalue pain and suffering or fail to account for long-term effects of injuries. Human experiences like trauma or lost quality of life don’t fit neatly into an algorithm.
How We Fight Back
At our firm, we know how to counter these tactics and ensure our clients receive the full compensation they’re entitled to. Here’s how we do it:
1. Comprehensive Case Investigation
We start by gathering every piece of evidence: police reports, witness statements, medical records, photos from the scene, and more. This documentation builds a strong foundation for your claim and makes it harder for insurance adjusters to dispute the facts.
2. Accurate Damage Valuation
We don’t just look at immediate costs. We assess the full impact of your injuries: future medical care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Insurance companies often overlook these elements but we make sure they’re accounted for.
3. Working with Medical Experts
To counter the “pre-existing condition” argument or claims of excessive treatment, we bring in respected medical experts. These professionals can clearly explain how the accident caused your injuries and why the treatment was necessary.
4. Negotiating From a Position of Strength
We don’t just send a demand letter and hope for the best. We come prepared with facts, evidence, and expert testimony. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who know the tricks insurers use and how to shut them down.
5. Filing a Lawsuit When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re ready to go to court. Insurance companies know which law firms are willing to fight and which ones settle everything. Our reputation for litigation gives us leverage during negotiations.
6. Keeping the Pressure On
We don’t let insurance companies stall. We follow up consistently, hit deadlines, and push the case forward. We know their delay tactics and we don’t tolerate them.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Even before you hire a lawyer, there are steps you can take to protect your accident claim:
- Don’t speak to the insurance company without legal advice. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that weaken your claim.
- See a doctor immediately. Waiting can hurt your health and your case.
- Keep detailed records. Save medical bills, pay stubs, repair receipts, and anything else related to the accident.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurers may use your posts against you.
Final Thoughts
If your accident claim feels like an uphill battle, you’re not alone. Insurance companies are powerful but they’re not unbeatable. With the right legal strategy and representation, you can level the playing field.
We fight back by building strong cases, refusing to accept less than our clients deserve, and going to trial when needed. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and suspect the insurance company is undervaluing your claim, don’t settle for less. Contact us for a free consultation and let’s make sure you get what you’re owed.