When you’ve been in an accident or suffered an injury, the last thing you want to deal with is an insurance company that’s not on your side. Unfortunately, many Alpharetta residents find themselves in this exact situation. Insurance adjusters, who are supposed to evaluate your claim fairly, often employ a range of tactics to minimize or even deny your claim altogether. In this article, we’ll expose some of these dirty tactics so you can be prepared and protect your rights.
Contents
- 1 The Initial Contact: Setting the Stage for Denial
- 2 Quick Settlement Offers: The Lowball Game
- 3 Requesting Unnecessary Documentation: The Paperwork Shuffle
- 4 Surveillance and Social Media: The Big Brother Approach
- 5 Shifting the Blame: The Fault Game
- 6 Delaying the Process: The Waiting Game
- 7 Independent Medical Examinations: The Biased Opinion
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10 Take Control of Your Future: Choose Chalker Injury Law for Unmatched Legal Support
- 11 Don’t Settle for Less, Contact Us Today
- 12 Your Future is Our Priority
The Initial Contact: Setting the Stage for Denial
One of the first things an insurance adjuster will do is contact you shortly after the incident. While they may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, remember that their primary goal is to save their company money. They may try to get you to make statements that could later be used against you, or even trick you into admitting fault. Always be cautious when speaking to an insurance adjuster and consider having a personal injury lawyer present during these conversations.
Quick Settlement Offers: The Lowball Game
Another common tactic is to offer a quick settlement that is far less than what your claim is actually worth. The adjuster banks on your lack of knowledge and the urgency to resolve financial matters quickly. They know that once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money later, even if your medical bills pile up. Always consult with a legal advisor before accepting any settlement offers.
Requesting Unnecessary Documentation: The Paperwork Shuffle
Insurance adjusters may ask for an overwhelming amount of documentation, hoping you’ll slip up or give up on your claim. They might request medical records that are unrelated to your accident, or even ask for employment records to scrutinize your financial motives. While it’s essential to provide necessary documentation, know the limits of what you are legally required to offer.
Surveillance and Social Media: The Big Brother Approach
Believe it or not, some insurance companies will go as far as surveilling you to prove that you’re exaggerating your injuries. They may also scour your social media accounts for pictures or posts that could undermine your claim. Always be aware of your actions and what you post online when you have an ongoing insurance claim.
Shifting the Blame: The Fault Game
Insurance adjusters are experts at shifting the blame away from their insured parties. They may try to argue that you were partially or entirely at fault for the accident, thereby reducing the amount they have to pay out. This tactic is especially prevalent in states with comparative negligence laws, like Georgia.
Delaying the Process: The Waiting Game
Time is money, and insurance companies know this. The longer they can delay your claim, the more desperate you may become, making you more likely to accept a lower settlement. They might take an unreasonable amount of time to review documents, schedule inspections, or approve medical treatments, all in the hopes that you’ll settle for less.
Independent Medical Examinations: The Biased Opinion
Some insurance companies will require you to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME) by a doctor of their choosing. These doctors are often biased and may downplay the severity of your injuries, leading to a lower settlement offer.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex world of insurance claims is challenging, especially when you’re up against companies that employ underhanded tactics to minimize their payouts. However, being aware of these tactics can better prepare you for the battle ahead. If you find yourself facing any of these situations, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
By exposing these dirty tactics, we hope to empower Alpharetta residents to stand up for their rights and secure the fair treatment they are entitled to. Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed is the first step in protecting yourself against unjust insurance practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What should I do if an insurance adjuster contacts me shortly after an accident?
If an insurance adjuster contacts you shortly after an accident, it’s crucial to remember that their primary goal is to save their company money. They may try to get you to make statements that could later be used against you or even trick you into admitting fault. It’s advisable to be cautious when speaking to an insurance adjuster. Consider having a personal injury lawyer present during these conversations to protect your rights and ensure that you don’t inadvertently harm your claim.
2. How should I handle quick settlement offers from insurance companies?
Insurance adjusters often offer quick settlements that are far less than what your claim is actually worth. They bank on your lack of knowledge and the urgency to resolve financial matters quickly. Accepting such an offer means you can’t go back and ask for more money later, even if your medical bills pile up. Before accepting any settlement offers, consult with a legal advisor who can evaluate the fairness of the offer and guide you on the best course of action.
3. What kind of documentation should I provide to the insurance company?
Insurance adjusters may request an overwhelming amount of documentation in hopes that you’ll slip up or give up on your claim. While it’s essential to provide necessary documentation, such as medical records related to your accident, be aware of the limits of what you are legally required to offer. They might request unrelated medical records or even employment records to scrutinize your financial motives. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you’re only providing what’s legally required and not jeopardizing your claim.
By being aware of these tactics and consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer, you can better prepare for the challenges of dealing with insurance companies. Knowledge is power, and being informed is the first step in protecting yourself against unjust insurance practices.
Take Control of Your Future: Choose Chalker Injury Law for Unmatched Legal Support
Navigating the aftermath of an accident or injury is a daunting task, especially when you’re up against insurance companies that are not on your side. At Chalker Injury Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll this takes on you and your family. That’s why we’re committed to standing by your side, offering compassionate guidance and fierce advocacy every step of the way.
Why Choose Us?
Our seasoned team of personal injury attorneys has built a solid reputation throughout Northern Georgia for our ability to obtain maximum compensation and win settlements for our clients. Led by Ronald Chalker, an experienced trial attorney, we have a strong track record of success in trials and will go the extra mile to ensure we are pursuing every possible option and legal remedy available under state law.
No Upfront Fees
All our personal injury cases are on a contingency fee basis. This means you can focus on getting the necessary medical care without worrying about upfront fees. Don’t waive your right to the compensation you deserve as a result of another person’s negligence.
Time is of the Essence
The state of Georgia has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. If you wait too long, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation. To ensure that your rights are fully protected, it’s crucial to act quickly and consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Comprehensive Legal Services
We handle all the legwork so you can focus on healing. From filing your personal injury claim to collecting and evaluating evidence, negotiating with insurance adjusters, and even speaking with law enforcement officers and key witnesses, we’ve got you covered.
Types of Cases We Handle
We represent victims who have suffered a wide range of injuries due to auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, product liability, and wrongful death cases, among others.
Compensation You Deserve
You may be entitled to recover compensation for medical costs, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll ensure you understand your compensation rights and work tirelessly to secure the maximum settlement for you.
Don’t Settle for Less, Contact Us Today
Don’t let insurance adjusters manipulate you into accepting less than what you deserve. At Chalker Injury Law, we’re committed to ensuring you’re not taken advantage of. We know the strategies and tactics insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts, and we’re here to counter them effectively.
Free Consultation
Give us a call today at (678) 319-9991 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step in securing your future and getting the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Areas We Serve
We proudly serve Alpharetta, Downtown Alpharetta, Roswell, East Cobb, Woodstock, Cumming, Duluth, and the entire North Metro Atlanta area.
Your Future is Our Priority
At Chalker Injury Law, your future is our priority. We go the extra mile to help you make smart, critical decisions about your future and the future of your loved ones. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call us today at (678) 319-9991 and let us fight for you.