Settlement

Many times, clients in an auto accident feel that they are owed money for the injuries they sustained.  However, they neither have the time or the energy to prepare for or deal with a full blown jury trial.  Jury trials can be burdensome and cause headaches for all the parties involved.  In these instances, the best course of action would be to negotiate with the insurance company and settle the claim.  However, because insurance companies are well aware that most claims get settled, they have developed tactics and trained their claims adjusters to settle for as little as possible.  Listed below are some of the methods insurance companies use to provide you with as little compensation as possible.

Stall and Delay

One of their most notorious tactics is to stall and delay paying your claim.  If you are representing yourself, insurance companies feel they can be take their time paying out a claim because the chances of an individual actually filing a lawsuit and filing it against the proper parties are low.  What they will do is transfer your claim from adjuster to adjuster, and claim that each adjuster must review your case.  They will also request multiple copies of required documents, such as medical bills.  These actions are all meant to delay paying you on your claim in the hopes that you would ultimately settle for less.

Recorded Phone Interviews

Oftentimes, upon opening a claim, the adjuster will ask that you be taped for a phone interview.  They will ask you for the details of the accident.  However, they will phrase their questions in a way to elicit a certain type of response from you that is favorable to their case.  Do not grant these interviews without first speaking to a lawyer.  Your lawyer will prepare you or sit with you to give the statement.  If you end up doing this on your own and make an improper statement, you could harm your chances for a higher settlement.

Lowball offers

Another common tactic is to give you lowball offers.  Their first offer is usually nowhere near what they are willing to settle for.  Insurance companies do this because, again, they believe that the chances of an individual filing a lawsuit properly is very low.  Never accept the first offer.  You must emphasize the nature and extent of your injuries, how it has affected your quality of life, your relationship with the people around you, and your productivity at work.

It is important to note that not all insurance companies operate this way.  A few are fair in their dealings.  However, to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries by way of settlement, call Tran Bankruptcy Law.