How Insurance Companies Devalue or Deny Valid Car Accident Claims
Anytime an individual has to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against another individual, they will most certainly run into some resistance from the insurance carrier(s) involved. There are various ways that insurance carriers could seek to devalue or even deny a valid car accident claim. Here, we want to examine how insurance carriers do this and why it is so important for you to work with a skilled car accident lawyer who can help you move forward with your case.
Devaluing or Denying a Valid Claim
Insurance carriers have many ways to devalue or even deny a claim:
Challenging Liability
The insurer may argue that the policyholder is not at fault or that the claimant shares some responsibility for the accident. They may dispute the extent of their policyholder’s negligence or deny liability altogether.
Downplaying Injuries
Insurers might claim that the injuries sustained by the claimant are not as severe as stated or that they are unrelated to the accident. They may argue that the claimant had pre-existing conditions that contributed to their injuries.
Questioning Medical Treatment
Insurers may question the necessity or reasonableness of medical procedures, tests, or treatments. They might argue that the claimant received excessive or unnecessary medical care, aiming to reduce the claim’s value.
Utilizing Surveillance
Insurance companies may conduct surveillance on claimants, hoping to find evidence that contradicts their reported injuries or activities. They may use this information to cast doubt on the claimant’s credibility and the extent of their injuries.
Delaying Claim Resolution
Insurers might intentionally delay the claims process, including requests for additional documentation or repeated investigations, in an effort to frustrate the claimant into accepting a lower settlement.
Underestimating Future Damages
When assessing the claim, insurers may undervalue the potential long-term consequences of the injuries, such as ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or loss of future earning capacity.
Offering Low Settlements
Insurance carriers may make initial settlement offers that are far below the actual value of the claim. The carriers hope that claimants, who may be facing financial strain or unaware of their rights, will accept these low offers just to be finished with the process and get some money.
Using Lowball Tactics
Insurers may employ various tactics, such as disputing individual medical bills, using biased experts, or undervaluing non-economic damages like pain and suffering, to reduce the overall settlement amount.
An Attorney Can Help Combat This on Your Behalf
One of the most important things that you can do if you have been involved in a vehicle accident is to reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. When you seek assistance from an injury lawyer in Sacramento, you will have an advocate who understands the tactics insurance carriers will use to devalue or deny your claim.
Not only will your attorney conduct a complete investigation into the incident, but they will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance carriers, especially when these tactics are deployed by the other side. Your attorney is your ally and your advocate. They will ensure you are evaluated by a trusted medical professional, examine the economic impact of the car accident injuries, and help you recover compensation through an insurance settlement or as a result of a personal injury jury verdict.