5 Tactics Insurance Companies Use To Deny or Devalue Personal Injury Claims
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, you can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. However, these claims are not as straightforward as you might think. Dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating experience. Despite insurance companies promising to be there for claimants, many companies only focus on maximizing profits. Insurance companies use several tactics to deny or devalue personal injury claims to protect their interests. Understanding the tactics insurance companies use to fight personal injury claims can help you protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
The following are five common tactics insurance companies use to deny or devalue personal injury claims;
- Quick Settlement Offers
One common tactic insurance companies use is offering a quick settlement. Shortly after your accident, an insurance adjuster from the negligent party’s insurance company may offer a settlement that seems generous at first glance. However, the truth is that often, these offers are much lower than the actual value of the claim. Accepting a quick settlement offer can result in you being under-compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
You should not accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. Remember, once you accept an offer, you generally waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.
- Disputing Liability
The at-fault party’s insurance company may argue that you are responsible for your accident (either fully or partially). In states like Florida, which follow the modified comparative negligence rule, such an argument could reduce the payout or result in your claim being denied altogether. Under recent amendments to Florida law, you may be barred from recovering compensation if you are more than 50% to blame for your accident.
- Minimizing Injuries
Insurance companies are notorious for downplaying the seriousness of claimants’ injuries to justify lower settlement offers. The at-fault party’s insurance company might claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim or that your injuries are pre-existing. You can protect yourself by seeking prompt medical attention and following doctor’s orders, including continued treatment. It is also wise to avoid discussing your injuries in detail with the insurance adjuster without first speaking to your attorney.
- Delaying Investigation or the Claims Process
The insurance company may delay investigating or processing your claim in the hopes that you will give up and accept a low settlement offer or abandon your case altogether. For instance, the insurance company may request unnecessary paperwork or take too long to respond.
- Using Surveillance
Insurance companies can monitor social media accounts to find evidence they can use against claimants. For this reason, it’s best to avoid social media while your personal injury claim is pending. The insurance company may also hire private investigators. To protect yourself, limit activities that could raise doubts about the sincerity of your claim.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Don’t be intimidated by the tactics the at-fault party’s insurance company might use to fight your claim. At Gunn Law Group, P.A., we are committed to standing up to these and many other insurance tactics and advocating for our clients’ rights. Contact us today at 813-228-7070 and allow our Tampa personal injury lawyers to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/588/Analyses/2024s00588.pre.rc.PDF
