Insurance Companies Are Out To Protect Themselves

While everyone likes to believe that their insurance company will fight for them after an accident, the truth is that this is rarely the case. In reality, insurance companies fight to protect themselves first and foremost, which is why injury victims should always consult our attorneys before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. There are a number of different tactics that insurance companies will use to try and pay victims the least amount possible.  Here are just a few:

1. The First Offer

When dealing with an insurance company, it is our injury attorneys’ standard practice to reject the first offer. It may be tempting for an injury victim to accept it, especially given financial circumstances after an expensive accident, but that is exactly what the insurance company is counting on. When injury victims are desperate, they are less likely to act in their long-term best interests. Our lawyers will ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance company.

2. Unrelated Injuries & Unnecessary/Excessive Treatment

Insurance companies will argue that any injuries that resulted from an accident were actually pre-existing or were not serious enough to warrant a hospital visit or follow-up treatment is unnecessary or excessive. Again, an attorney should be present for all communication between yourself and the insurance company, in order to ensure that nothing you’ve said can be used against you to deny your claim.

3.  Insufficient Treatment

In the preceding paragraph we discuss how insurance companies will complain that treatment sought by the injury victim was unnecessary and excessive.  Likewise, insurance companies will argue exactly the opposite…saying that if an injury victim did not seek treatment, they are not really injured.  It is a double edged sword and often a no win situation for the injured victim dealing directly with the insurance company.

4. Stalling

Insurance companies that feel particularly threatened by your claims may try to stall or completely ignore you. The best way to deal with this, simply put, is to have your attorney engage in all further communication with them. Having a West Virginia personal injury lawyer speak with your insurance company on your behalf sends a strong message that you aren’t willing to play games for the money you are owed.

Insurance companies may have a number of tricks at their disposal, but so do the attorneys at Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law. This is why it is so important to always have an advocate to fight on your behalf when the insurance companies try to look after their own interests.