subject: Common Auto Insurance Tactics [print this page] I have learned a lot about common insurance strategies used to lower and deny claims over my 10 years as personal injury attorney. These tactics can catch an unassuming accident victim off guard, so it is important that you prepare yourself by being properly informed about what they do. Before you pursue a personal injury case, check out the following top 5 strategies used by auto insurance companies to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.1.) Quickie Low Ball Settlement: The insurance companies know a strong case when they see one, and to stop these cases before they gain some real traction, they will offer a quick, but very low settlement. This is a strategy that is especially useful on people who do not have an attorney, because it may seem like a good deal to you at the time. When you accept an early offer, you are doing so before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you agree to this offer, your case is over. Because of this, you should never blindly accept this offer unless you have already consulted an attorney who strongly advises you to do so. In almost every case, though, your attorney will advise you to wait until you have a complete understanding of your injuries and their potential cost in medical bills.2.) Recorded Statement: Common policy of every insurance company is to reach out to an accident victim right after they file a claim and ask to record the conversation. The reason for this is that you may potentially say something that you don't mean, but it will nevertheless be able to be used against you in the future. Under no circumstance do you have to agree to this, and I strongly advice that you do not even speak to the other insurance company until you first speak with a lawyer. You have nothing to lose by meeting with an attorney, because almost every personal injury lawyer offers a free initial consultation.3.) Records Release and Review: Once it is obvious to the insurance company that you are serious about your case and have hired an attorney to defend you, it is likely that they will ask you to release your medical records. These records will then be reviewed by one of their specialists, whose job is to prove that there was something in your medical history that led to the damages you are seeking. This specialist is paid big bucks to agree with the insurance company, but this can be countered by an attorney who is experienced in injury cases.4.) Independent Medical Examination: Once your case gets further in the process, it is likely that the insurance company will have you undergo an "independent medical examination." The doctor that insurance companies use for these examinations, however, is anything but "independent." The doctor's job is essentially to side with the insurance company. This independent medical exam is by no means "independent," but will be used by the insurance company as evidence to lower or deny your case.5.) Secret Surveillance: I know this may seem like it is out of a spy movie or something, but insurance companies have been known to video tape some people who file big claims against them. They do this to try and catch you doing something that an injury you are claiming should prevent. This is one of the best examples of why you should take your doctor's advice and not do anything to make the injury worse.It is important to me as an attorney to make sure that everybody is protected by understanding what the insurance companies will do in their personal injury case. If you are considering filing a claim for damages, consult a personal injury attorney first, so you know are in the best position possible to protect against these strategies.
Common Auto Insurance Tactics
By: Jason Epstein
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