August 11, 2022 | Reading Time: 4 min If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you may have the legal right to receive a settlement from that person’s insurance company to help cover any expenses that are not covered under your no-fault.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies will use dirty or deceptive tricks in order to pay as little as possible to an accident victim. Here are some of the dirty tricks and tactics insurance companies use:
Settling Claims Quickly and Cheaply
Many insurance companies will attempt to settle with accident victims as soon as possible in hopes that they will be able to settle for pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately, many accident victims already feel overwhelmed by medical bills, doctor visits, lost wages, or even repair costs to their property and insurance companies use that to their advantage.
Using Social Media Posts Against You
Insurance companies are known to scour social media sites to find any piece of evidence that they can use to devalue your claim. Even if you hide or delete a post that you’ve made in reference to your accident or your injuries, they can still be obtained as evidence with a subpoena.
Failing To Disclose The Full Amount Of The Insurance Policy
Insurance companies work hard to keep the value of the insurance policy a secret for as long as possible in an attempt to prevent the victim from receiving the amount that they may rightfully deserve under the law.
One Of The Popular Tactics Insurance Companies Use Is Making The Claim Process Difficult
If you’ve had to file an insurance claim before, you know how frustrating the process can be. These layers of bureaucracy are added in hopes that the accident victim will become frustrated with the process and either give up or fail to file the correct paperwork in order to receive adequate compensation.
Employing Stall Tactics
Big insurance companies are known for not returning calls, not returning emails and bouncing your claim from one adjuster to another. Since insurance companies know that an accident victim only has a limited amount of time to file a claim in court, they have been known to intentionally drag out the process in an attempt to prevent a victim from filing within the statute of limitations.
Requiring You To See A Doctor Or Specialist Of Their Choice
Similar to examining and repairing property damage, the insurance company you’re making a claim against may require you to see a doctor or specialist of their choosing. Since their goal is to pay as little as possible for medical bills, they will have you see a doctor that works within their network of providers. In most cases, the doctors of their choosing will be more likely to provide a medical analysis that is beneficial to the insurance company, but not to you.
How Can A Personal Injury Attorney Help?
If you’ve suffered injuries or losses in an accident, consider consulting with a reputable personal injury attorney in your area. When retained, an experienced personal injury attorney can alleviate the pressure and stress of dealing with the insurance companies by acting as your liaison. Your attorney will be able to file all the necessary paperwork needed to file a personal injury claim and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on rehabilitation.
For a free and confidential consultation, call the personal injury attorneys at Cellino Law at 888-888-8888. Our team is here 24/7 to help answer any questions you may have about the tactics insurance companies use and filing a personal injury claim.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.