How Do Insurance Companies Keep Car Accident Settlements Low?
In most cases, accident victims who suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence are entitled to compensation for their losses. This often means that the other party’s insurance company may have to pay out a significant amount of money to settle the claim.
To minimize their financial exposure, insurance companies use tricks to get victims to agree to settlements that fall far short of what they truly deserve. At Steve Foley Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting against these tactics and ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to. Our legal team works tirelessly to hold insurance companies accountable for maximum settlements.
Tactics Used by Insurance Companies To Offer Low Settlements
Insurance companies employ various tactics to keep car accident settlements low. However, car accident attorneys are adept negotiators. They can engage with insurance adjusters and legal teams to advocate for a fair settlement. Some of the most common insurance company tactics include the following:
Quick Settlement Offers
Insurers resolve around 95% of personal injury claims before they reach trial, often through low offers. One common strategy is the swift presentation of settlement offers, typically far lower than what the claimant rightfully deserves. The goal is to entice the injured party into accepting a quick, inadequate settlement, preventing them from pursuing a more substantial claim.
Blaming Victims for their Accidents
Insurance companies may invoke legal precedent and comparative fault to their advantage. They will argue that the victim shares some responsibility for the accident and that they are only partly responsible. This tactic can significantly reduce the final settlement amount they are required to pay. In many cases, however, victims are not partially responsible but accept a low settlement regardless because they believe what the insurance company is telling them.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies may purposely prolong the claims process, causing frustration and financial strain for the claimant. For instance, they may ask for more documentation or drag out the negotiation process. This pressure wears out the victims and can force them to accept lower settlements to resolve their piling financial burdens.
Questioning the Severity of the Victim’s Injuries
Insurance adjusters frequently challenge the severity of injuries sustained in accidents. They may dispute the medical evidence presented by the claimant. In addition, it is a common trick for insurance companies to suggest that the injuries existed before and are unrelated to the accident. Their idea is to downplay the impact of the injuries to justify lower settlements.
Disputing Liability
Insurance companies often dispute liability, attempting to shift blame away from their auto liability policyholders. This can result in protracted legal battles and reduced settlements for victims who must prove the other party’s fault.
Call Us to Speak with a New York Car Accident Lawyer
If you suspect your car accident insurance settlement offer is falling short of what you rightfully deserve, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Personal injury attorneys understand the tactics employed by insurance companies to reduce settlements and can navigate the legal process effectively on your behalf.
At Steve Foley Law Firm, we will assess your situation and negotiate with insurance companies for the right settlement. We will consider all injuries and losses to pursue compensation that reflects your losses. Contact us today, and let us review your case.