You are right to question an insurance company’s motives

If you have been in a vehicle accident, you have probably experienced having to deal with an insurance company, and the interaction may have raised some red flags in your mind.

If you have yet to be an accident victim, that, of course, is a good thing. However, it is always wise to be prepared, and part of that preparation is understanding how insurance companies work.

Making a low offer

An insurance company knows that accident victims are vulnerable and need money to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Their usual practice is to offer a low-ball figure as a first offer. If you accept it, they can quickly close the case.

Stalling

The insurance company may stall in order to force you into accepting their low-ball offer. For example, if you call with questions, they may pass you from agent to agent who will deny knowing anything about your claim. They may misplace paperwork or fail to return your calls. They hope to wear you down so that you will accept the offer they have made.

Denying your medical needs

If you are involved in a serious car crash, your medical expenses could be quite high. The insurance company will do all it can to avoid paying for your care. They may claim that you faked your injuries, or that the accident did not cause them. They may even claim that you exaggerated your injuries and that the diagnosis was therefore incorrect.

Dismissing damage to your car

An insurance company will probably designate your car a total loss if the cost of fixing it is 70 percent or more of its value. This way the company will not have to pay for expensive repairs.

What to do

If you are an accident victim, you should immediately seek the help of an advocate. Any information you provide to an insurance company may be used to reduce the settlement you should receive or deny your claim altogether. You have rights and deserve full and fair compensation for the injuries you sustain. An advocate who is on your side will see that you receive the representation you need in dealing with a powerful insurance company.