How Do Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Injury Claims?

How Do Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Injury Claims?

You’ve been hurt in an accident, and you expect insurance to help, not fight against you. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses first, and their primary goal is protecting profits rather than paying what your claim is worth.

At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, we’ve seen insurance companies try these tactics on our clients firsthand over the years. We haven’t let this get in our way. We’ve secured over $1.5 million for our clients because we understand the strategies they use. Here’s why they undervalue claims, the tactics they employ, and how you can fight back.

Why Do Insurance Companies Undervalue Claims?

Understanding why insurance companies undervalue claims is the first step to protecting your rights.

They want to make a profit: Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that save money by minimizing payouts. Every dollar they don’t pay you goes directly to their bottom line.

They have large legal teams: Large legal teams give insurance companies a significant advantage. They can easily drag out negotiations, which increases your financial pressure and makes you more likely to settle for less than you deserve.

They know they can get away with it: Many injured people feel overwhelmed and want closure. Insurance companies count on this; they know you’re dealing with medical bills, pain, and uncertainty. They hope you’ll accept less just to move forward.

It may be unpleasant, but it’s the reality, and it’s important to stay informed.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use

Insurance companies don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to reducing payouts. By using specific strategies, they aim to weaken your claim and pressure you into settling for less. Here’s how they do it:

Quick, lowball offers: They’ll present a fast settlement before you fully understand your injuries. This might seem helpful, but you could be accepting far less than your claim is worth.

Questioning medical treatment: Insurance adjusters often claim your treatment was unnecessary, excessive, or unrelated to the accident, even when doctors recommended it.

Downplaying injuries: They’ll argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim or suggest they were pre-existing conditions rather than accident-related damage.

Blaming you: Suggesting you were partially at fault helps them reduce what they owe, even when the evidence clearly shows otherwise.

Delaying the process: Stretching out negotiations creates financial strain. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to give up or accept inadequate compensation.

Using surveillance and social media: They may monitor your activities to argue you aren’t as injured as claimed. A photo of you smiling doesn’t mean you’re not in pain.

Complex paperwork: Burying you in documents or technicalities creates opportunities for mistakes that they can exploit to deny or reduce your claim.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Claim?

While insurance companies have their methods, you have the power to fight back and seek fair compensation. Taking proactive steps can strengthen your claim and shield you from their tactics:

Seek immediate medical care: This creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident and prevents insurance companies from questioning the connection.

Follow all doctors’ orders: Consistent compliance with treatment shows you’re serious about recovery and prevents claims of “non-compliance.”

Document everything: Keep detailed records of the accident, all expenses, pain levels, and take photos of injuries or property damage.

Be careful with your words: Don’t give recorded statements or admit fault without legal advice. Insurance companies can use your words against you later.

Limit social media activity: Insurance companies may take posts out of context to weaken your case. It’s best to avoid posting about your activities during your claim.

Work with an experienced attorney: This levels the playing field against powerful insurance companies and helps secure fair compensation for your injuries.

By staying informed and taking these steps, you can push back.

Fight Back Against Unfair Tactics

Insurance companies count on your exhaustion and financial stress to accept less than you deserve. Feeling frustrated when facing these strategies is completely normal. However, with proper preparation, thorough documentation, and strong legal guidance, you can push back against these undervaluing tactics.

If you’re dealing with an insurance company that’s undervaluing your claim, contact SAM LAW OFFICE LLC for a consultation. We’ll help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you truly deserve.