The goal of every insurance company is to do nothing more than make money, especially for its shareholders. At the end of the day, insurance companies are just like any other business that is looking to make a profit. They do so by taking in premiums with the hopes of never having to pay those premiums out in settlements. In addition, insurance companies also collect interest over time making them profitable. The following are tactics that insurance companies may use to trick you.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies will often attempt to delay paying out a claim. This is done so that if you are entitled to a bodily injury payout and you do not make the claim in time, the insurance company will simply not make the offer to you.
Oftentimes, the insurance company will offer you a lowball settlement tricking you into believing that is the most you are entitled to. While this offer may seem enticing initially, insurance companies will almost always offer you only a fraction of what your case is actually worth. If you find out later down the line that you are even more injured than you originally thought to be, you cannot file another claim as you have already accepted the initial offer from the insurance company. In most cases after accepting a settlement, it cannot be undone as you must sign a release in order to receive it. This release can later be used against you if you attempt to file an additional claim.
If you accepted $2,500 on a case that may be worth to $20,000, there is nothing you can do after you've already agreed to take the offer. If an insurance company makes you an offer as such, it's best to bring this offer to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible so they can review the claim. At The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, we are well equipped in handling personal injury claims from as little as $1,000 to $100,000+. Click here to contact us regarding your claim as soon as possible.
Demanding a Recorded Statement
Demanding a recorded statement is nothing more than a trap for the unwary. If you're in an automobile accident and another party is demanding a recorded statement, this is something you should never do. While you may be required to give a statement to your own insurance company which may be recorded, you should never provide a statement to the other person's insurance company. While an enthusiastic adjuster may call you and claim they want to help you, in reality, they are just using the information you provide to trap or trick you into responses that may hurt your case. Just like criminal law, anything you do or say can and will be used against you.
Using Your Social Media Against You
After an accident, most insurance companies will do the following:
- Look at public information on your social media profiles
- Research and gather relevant information such as photos, timeline posts, stories, conversations, and locations
- Find friends or family on social media who may have been involved in the accident
Nothing hurts a case more than posting vacation or party pictures. If you're seen on the internet where it may appear the injury you are claiming does not affect you, this can also greatly work against your favor. If you're complaining of lower back or shoulder pain and you post vacation photos of yourself water skiing, this will not look good to the insurance company who is going to pay you out. It's best to stay off social media until your claim is settled.
How Do I Know What My Case Is Worth?
At The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, we provide a free guide titled 'What the Heck Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?'. In this guide, you'll find answers to questions like:
- What are economic damages?
- What factors do the courts consider when determining the value of your case?
- What outside factors play a part in your case?
- What factors will diminish the value of your case?
- How can other firms get away with those billboards?
- How can you find a reliable, trustworthy attorney for your personal injury claim?
The best way to maximize compensation and be protected after a car accident is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky will fight on your behalf while you recover from an injury. Call our office today at (561) 671-5995 to find out how we can help you.
