A Look at How Insurance Adjusters Trick Victims into Accepting Low Offers

If you’ve recently been involved in an accident or any other situation covered by your insurance policy, you’ll certainly be getting a visit from the insurance adjuster soon. They’re agents of the insurance company sent to trick you into settling for less.

It’s okay if you have already been visited by these adjusters. So long as you haven’t signed any papers, you have the right to take back your words.

You should hire Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers to come to your defense as quickly as possible. They have been helping accident victims all across Florida. Frankl Kominsky is home to some award-winning attorneys, like Steven L. Frankl and Ethan F. Kominsky.

Tactics and Tricks Used by Insurance Adjusters

Here are some of the tactics and tricks insurance adjusters use to trick accident victims into accepting low offers:

Offering a Settlement Immediately After the Incident

When insurance adjusters come to you very quickly with a settlement, it’s because they are hoping to catch you off guard and capitalize on your immediate needs. Keep in mind that these early offers are often much lower than what your claim might actually be worth.

They want you to accept quickly so they can close the case and move on.

Delaying Your Claim

You filed your claim, but weeks have turned into months, and you still haven’t heard anything back. This silence can be frustrating, but it might be a deliberate tactic.

Any possible delays that occur are very much in the favor of the insurance company. Maybe you’ll get discouraged and give up, or maybe new evidence will be harder to find as time goes by. They might also be hoping you’ll settle for less just to get some closure. Don’t let them get you with this tactic. If you feel they’re unreasonably delaying the process, consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department.

Calling You a Liar

Sometimes, an adjuster might question your account of the accident or even suggest you’re making up your injuries. They are putting doubts in your mind so you can mess up your version of events.

If you’re not careful, this botched version will be what sticks in your head, and they’ll easily identify the loopholes to attack if you ever make it to court.

Resist the urge to bow to pressure or even try to be defensive. Stay calm and stick with your story. Eventually, they will realize this tactic isn’t working, and they’ll move on to the next one, which, of course, you will be ready for.

Outright Refusal to Pay for Certain Damages

Let’s say you have a concussion from the accident and need physical therapy. The adjuster might say this treatment isn’t covered by your policy. You might be left to face the bill on your own if this happens.

One thing is that the adjuster might try to use technicalities to deny coverage for specific damages, even if they’re legitimate claims under your policy. This is why you must not rely solely on the adjuster’s interpretation of your policy.

Get a copy of your policy and read it carefully, or have a lawyer review it for you. They can help you understand what’s covered and fight for any denials that seem unfair.

Demanding That You Sign a Medical Release

The adjuster might ask you to sign a medical release form that allows them to access all your medical records.

You might think they simply want to assess the full extent of your injuries, but they’re quite sneaky, and they rarely have any of your interests at heart, so you must proceed with caution.

You have the right to control your medical information. Only sign a release that specifically authorizes access to records related to the accident and your current injuries. Consult a lawyer if the adjuster pressures you for a broader release.

Wrapping Up

Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts. The adjusters are the forerunners that they send to do all the dirty work up front.

If you haven’t been visited by an insurance adjuster yet, expect one soon. And if they’re taking too long to respond to you, it just might be another one of their tactics. Either way, reach out to your lawyer. They will tell you exactly what to do next.