Motor vehicle collisions are consistently a lead cause of accidental injuries. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that 5.4 million car crashes resulted in medically consulted injuries in the United States in 2021. Following a crash, injured victims need compensation to pay their bills. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on an insurer—even your own—to look out for your rights and interests. In this article, our Kansas City car accident lawyer highlights five strategies that insurance companies use to reduce car accident settlements offer.
Try to Get You to Talk About Your Accident and Your Injuries
To start, insurance companies often try to get you to talk about your accident and injuries. Through seemingly innocent conversation, they aim to gather information that could be used to contest your claims. Insurance adjusters are trained to come across as “friendly” and “disarming” on the phone. Do not agree to a recorded statement with an insurance adjuster without a Kansas City attorney.
Get You to Admit Fault—Even for Part of the Crash
Insurance companies may also try to coax you into admitting fault for part (or all) of the accident. Even a small admission of fault can significantly impact your claim. Being found partially at fault can reduce car accident settlements offer. Remember, determining fault is not your responsibility; it is the job of law enforcement and legal professionals.
Offer a Quick, Lowball Settlement Offer
Insurers often offer a quick, lowball settlement. It’s tempting to accept, especially when faced with mounting medical bills and lost wages. Sadly, these initial offers often do not fully account for long-term costs associated with the accident, including ongoing medical care, future lost earnings, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Seek a Release for All of Your Medical Records
Next, insurance companies may seek a release for all your medical records, not just those related to the accident. It is a move that is usually an attempt to find pre-existing conditions that can be blamed for your injuries, thereby reducing their liability and your total settlement offer.
Attempt to Finalize a Settlement Before You Speak to an Attorney
Insurance companies may rush you to finalize a settlement before you have a chance to consult with an attorney. They know that once you are represented by legal counsel, their ability to deploy these tactics is significantly diminished. The sooner that you consult with an experienced Kansas City car accident lawyer, the better position you will be in to get justice and the maximum financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top Kansas City Auto Accident Lawyer
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City car crash attorney has the legal and professional expertise that you can count on. If you have any questions about the insurance claim process, we are here as your legal resource. Contact us today for a free, no-commitment case review. With an office in Kansas City, we help car accident victims secure the maximum settlement in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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