How to Avoid Getting Screwed Over by the Insurance Company
Hello readers.
I’m writing in to ABDC today because I feel it is my duty to inform the public about how these insurance companies take advantage of injury victims across the country.
As a former attorney, I have a unique insight into specific steps you can take to ensure that you don’t get screwed over by the insurance company after you’ve already been injured in an accident. This should not be intended as legal advice, and you should consult with your attorney if you have further questions.
Never Give the Insurer a Statement
It is a common practice for the insurance company to request a statement from their policy holder, and the claimant in order to figure out exactly how the accident occurred, from each party’s perspective.
What they don’t tell you, however, is that they are digging for information that they can use against the claimant so they don’t have to pay out on the claim at all, or are reasonably able to make a less-than reasonable offer. I’ve seen insurance adjusters manipulate the words of their claimants, twisting them until they make them think that they’ve accidentally indicated that they are to blame for the cause of the accident in some way.
Most claimants will then drop the matter altogether if the insurer refuses to pay, or they will accept an offer that does not even come close to the full extent of their losses. By not giving the insurance company a statement, you’ll be able to protect any award you may be entitled. If the insurer really needs a statement, you should direct them to your attorney who can formulate an appropriate response.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
Back in law school, I remember attending a seminar and overhearing one Houston personal injury attorney telling a colleague that his biggest piece of advice was to never settle for less than you deserve. When you want to be sure that you aren’t getting screwed over by the insurance company, you should never accept an offer without reviewing it by your attorney first.
Chances are, the insurer has made you an offer for significantly less than you claim is worth, which is why they made the offer in the first place. By making an offer, they’re tempting you with fast cash, but if your losses amount to more, you could reasonably come away with a sizable award if you reject their insultingly low offers. Never accept less than you’re worth, in every aspect of your life.