When you’ve had a car accident in Rhode Island and are looking to reach a settlement, it’s important to know how to deal with insurance companies. There are many insurance companies that may try to prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve. At Inman & Tourgee, we are aware of insurance adjuster tactics and know how to work around them. Let’s take a look at 5 common tactics insurance companies may use to avoid paying what they should.
Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics
An insurance claims adjuster investigates and settles insurance claims. Their job is to see if a policy covers a claim. They must also understand the extent of damage or loss. Negotiating settlements is also part of their job.
During these negotiations, they may try several things to underpay you. Here’s what to look out for:
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Ask You to Sign a Medical Authorization Form
Some insurance adjusters might ask you to sign a medical authorization form. If you do this, they can have access to your complete medical record. When this happens, they may claim that your previous injuries may have increased the severity of your injuries. This can decrease the amount of your settlement. In some cases, it may even negate what you should receive.
While some medical records need to be handed over, don’t volunteer private information. This can hurt your case.
2. Delay Negotiations
Delaying negotiations is also among the common insurance adjuster tactics. In these scenarios, an adjuster may try to deliberately delay settlement talks. If they know you have been out of work due to your accident, delaying negotiations can further impact your income. You may get frustrated and accept a lower amount for your claim.
When you have an experienced team member from Inman & Tourgee, we will work to make sure this does not happen. We will pursue your compensation claim to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Require Excessive Documentation
In some cases, an adjuster may request excessive documentation. This can delay the process and frustrate you. When you have a personal injury lawyer on your side, they can keep records of all documents. They can ensure you are only providing what is necessary. You also don’t want to provide more paperwork than you need because it can get expensive. Requesting certain documents may incur fees. Only provide what is necessary.
4. Tell You Not to Hire an Attorney
When it comes to insurance adjuster tactics, they may tell you that you don’t need an attorney to get the compensation you need. They will tell you this because they know they can get away with paying less when people don’t have lawyers.
Having a lawyer gives you protection and peace of mind. It ensures that you will have someone advocating for your rights. It can also help you to get a larger settlement amount.
5. Use Recorded Statements Against You
Some adjusters may tell you to record a statement after your accident. They may ask questions to manipulate answers in their favor. These statements can be used against you. This is why you should never speak to an insurance company. Your personal injury lawyer should handle all correspondence so you don’t get trapped. They will be able to see this tactic from a mile away and prevent you from falling victim/
How an Attorney Can Help You Battle Insurance Adjuster Tactics
When you hire a personal injury attorney, they can help you fight insurance adjuster tactics. Here’s how our team can help:
- Help you understand your rights
- Navigate the legal process for you
- Protect your legal rights
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Protect you from unfair tactics
- Maximize your compensation value
Besides helping you with fighting insurance adjuster tactics, a personal injury lawyer can also bring their experience to the table. They can answer your questions and make sure you understand all aspects of the legal process. When you hire someone who has dealt with similar cases, they will know what needs to be done to ensure a favorable outcome.
They can also thoroughly investigate and gather all evidence. A personal injury lawyer knows what is needed to make your case stronger. They will do all they can to secure that evidence.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they can also help to reduce the stress surrounding accidents. You can focus on your injury and getting better while your attorney fights for your rights.
FAQ About Dealing with Insurance Adjuster Tactics
Can my social media activity impact my claim?
Insurance adjusters will often monitor social media posts to look for someone who contradicts your claim. This can include pictures of you engaging in a physical activity. This will hurt your case if you claim your injury has impacted your ability to do certain things.
Should I apologize for the accident?
You should never apologize to an insurance adjuster about an accident. This can be used to deny your claim or reduce your compensation. It’s best to avoid conversations at all costs. Let your lawyer handle this part of your case.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
You should rarely accept the first settlement offer. It is almost always lower than what the claim is actually worth. This is used to manipulate you into receiving a quick cash settlement when your claim is worth more. Holding out and working with a personal injury lawyer is your best option.
Let Us Help You Deal with Insurance Companies in Rhode Island
When you need a personal injury or accident lawyer, the team at Inman & Tourgee is here to help. We have a proven track record of personal injury case results. You can count on us to fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
Let us handle the insurance company adjusters in your case. Call us today at 401-823-9200 or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss your case and get to work for you.
