After an accident, injury victims often assume that insurance companies are there to help them recover compensation for any resulting damages and hardships. However, the reality is that insurance companies are businesses that are focused on prioritizing their bottom line–often at the expense of your own. To protect their profits, insurance adjusters may utilize a range of strategic, and sometimes deceptive, tactics to try and reduce or even deny your injury claim. 

That’s why seeking the legal expertise of a Tacoma personal injury attorney is pivotal if you have been injured in an accident. A skilled attorney can help you navigate these challenges and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Let’s explore some of the most common tactics insurance companies use to deny or devalue injury claims.

Delaying the Claims Process

One tactic insurers often use is intentionally delaying your claim. You may notice that the insurance adjuster is reluctant to call back, provide updates, or move the process forward. The goal behind these strategic delays is to pressure you into accepting a low or quick settlement out of desperation and frustration–as medical bills start to pile up or you find yourself unable to work. If the statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) expires before your claim is resolved, you may be barred from recovering compensation altogether.

Making a Quick Settlement Offer

While some insurers may try and delay the claims process as much as possible, others may take the opposite approach and rush to settle your claim quickly. While quick settlement offers may appear to have your best interests in mind, it is typically a tactic used to try and minimize your financial recovery. These premature offers often fail to account for future medical costs, lost income, and long-term impacts they may not be fully known yet. Keep in mind that once you have accepted a settlement offer, you are usually unable to pursue further compensation, even if your conditions or specific circumstances have worsened or changed.

Using Your Own Statements Against You

A crucial rule to keep in mind after an accident is that anything you say or do may be used against you during the claims process. This includes not only conversations with insurance adjusters but also what you share online. In today’s digital age, even a seemingly harmless social media post can jeopardize your case. For instance, if you claim to be seriously injured but post photos or videos of yourself engaging in physical activities online, the insurance company may use that evidence to challenge the severity of your injuries.

It’s also important to be mindful when speaking with insurance representatives over the phone as even casual remarks can be taken out of context. For example, if an insurance adjuster asks, “How are you?” and you respond with, “I’m good,” their comment could be interpreted as an admission that your injuries are minor and that the accident hasn’t significantly impacted you. Always proceed with caution and consider consulting with an attorney before providing any statements.