Teamwork
Behind the Curtain: Common Insurance Tactics Attorneys Fight to Protect Your Injury Claim
When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury claim should be straightforward. After all, you’re hurt, and someone else is responsible—so their insurance company should step up and compensate you. But in reality, the process is rarely that simple. Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line, not your best interests.This is why injury attorneys are essential. They’re not just there to file paperwork—they’re skilled at recognizing and countering the insurance tactics attorneys fight every day. Let’s pull back the curtain on these tactics and show you how attorneys shield their clients from being taken advantage of.
Lowball Settlement Offers
One of the most common insurance tactics attorneys fight is the quick, lowball settlement offer. Insurance companies know you’re vulnerable after an accident—possibly out of work, stressed, and facing mounting medical bills. They offer a fast payout hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full value of your claim. How attorneys fight back: Injury lawyers evaluate your case thoroughly, considering future medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. They ensure you don’t accept an offer that’s far less than you deserve.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance adjusters often try to shift blame onto the injured party, either partially or entirely. This tactic reduces their liability, especially in states with comparative negligence laws, where your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.How attorneys fight back: Experienced attorneys gather solid evidence—like witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony—to build a strong case proving the other party’s responsibility.Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, or that certain treatments weren’t necessary. They might even suggest your injuries were pre-existing.How attorneys fight back: Lawyers work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and connect them directly to the incident. They also ensure that your medical history is accurately represented and protected from misinterpretation.
Recorded Statements and Surveillance
Adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement early in the claims process, hoping you'll say something that can be used against you later. In some cases, they may even conduct surveillance to catch you doing something that contradicts your injury claims.How attorneys fight back: A good attorney will advise you not to give recorded statements without legal representation. They also prepare you for how to handle these situations and ensure your actions align with your medical limitations and claim.Another sneaky tactic is for insurers to mislead claimants about what’s covered under a policy. They may say certain damages aren’t included or downplay the policy’s value.How attorneys fight back: Injury attorneys are skilled in reading and interpreting insurance policies. They identify every possible coverage source and make sure insurers honor their contractual obligations.
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies may appear helpful at first, but they’re ultimately looking to protect themselves. That’s why having an experienced injury lawyer on your side is crucial. The insurance tactics attorneys fight aren’t just about money—they’re about justice, fairness, and protecting people when they’re at their most vulnerable.If you’re dealing with an injury claim, don’t go it alone. Let a qualified personal injury attorney help you navigate the games insurance companies play—so you can focus on healing, not fighting.