As a business, it is not in the insurance company’s best interest to provide fair compensation to anyone who has been injured in a car accident. Their first loyalty is to their bottom line, and that is why many car insurance companies try to find legal ways to reduce payouts to claimants or deny claims altogether.
This is one of the reasons being represented by a knowledgeable Knoxville car accident lawyer may be very valuable to car accident victims. If you have been involved in a car crash, we encourage you to be very careful if or when an insurance company contacts you. Read on to learn about some of the things an insurance company representative may say to attempt to mislead you or get you to say something that may damage your claim.
If You Reject Their Offer You Will Get Nothing
One of the most misleading things an insurance company might tell you following a car accident is that if you reject their offer, you will not receive any compensation. This is a common tactic insurance companies use because accident victims are vulnerable, both emotionally and physically. However, if an initial offer is too low and the insurance provider does not make any more offers, you may still be able to pursue fair compensation in court.
They Are on Your Side
Insurance companies are trying to make a profit, so they are not looking to provide every accident victim with fair compensation. One way they may try to gain your trust is by telling you that lawyers are sharks looking for a massive payday. However, many personal injury attorneys, including those at Greg Coleman Law, take car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. This means we do not get paid anything unless you receive compensation.
They Will Get You the Most Money for Your Claim
An adjuster may promise to help you get the most money for your claim, but this is just an attempt to get you to trust him or her. Do not get fooled into thinking an insurance company will do its best to get you the most money for your car accident claim. It is simply not in their best business interest to do so.
You Need to Provide a Statement
Some insurance companies may try to coerce you into making a written or recorded statement. They are hoping you will say something they can use against you so they can either deny your claim or make a lowball settlement offer.
The adjuster could also call you one day and ask how you are feeling. If you are caught off-guard and answer in a specific way, the insurance company could claim your comment indicates your injuries are less serious than previously described by you or your doctor.
Your Injury is From a Preexisting Condition
Another common tactic an insurance company may use when reviewing your car accident claim is to try to deny your claim based on a preexisting condition or injury.
However, even if you do have a preexisting condition or injury, you may still be eligible to pursue compensation for aggravation of prior injuries. This is an issue you should discuss with an experienced attorney.
You Have to Use an In-Network Mechanic or Doctor
An insurance company may tell you they will not cover damage to your car or the cost of your medical bills unless you use an in-network mechanic or doctor. This is probably untrue – you are likely within your rights to see any doctor or mechanic you choose. However, this is an important issue to discuss with your attorney.
Call an Attorney Before Speaking to Your Insurance Company
If you were injured in a car accident in Tennessee, we recommend that you speak to an experienced personal injury attorney before contacting your insurance company. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today and learn how we may be able to help you. The qualified attorneys at Greg Coleman Law Offices understand how insurance companies operate and how to protect the value of a car accident claim.
Call our office now at (865) 247-0080.
