Upon learning of your accident, agents from your insurance company or the negligent person’s insurance may contact you. It’s best if you remain silent in their presence. An insurance adjuster may distort the information you give to suggest that you were at fault or that your injuries are minor, especially if you accidentally said or speculated some aspects of the occurrence. Even worse, they can attempt to convince you to accept a settlement well below what you are entitled to.

Keep in mind that insurance companies are primarily interested in making money. Because of this, it is in the company’s best interest to provide you with the lowest minimum payout possible—sometimes even to the point where it is no longer proportional to the damages, losses, or financial expenses you have incurred due to the accident.

Here are some sneaky strategies they might use:

Insurance firms could use delaying strategies.

Insurance companies prefer that you are in a desperate situation. This can involve making the excuse that they are overloaded with requests. They can explain that they have to deal with several cases and requests and kindly urge you to respond to your damages claim or a settlement offer. This is frequently used as an excuse to avoid paying healthcare bills and regular expenses like rent and car payments. You’ll feel more desperate with the more accounts and calls from creditors you have to deal with.

You are now the target of blame.

They do this to get you to either reject their argument or take the blame for a car accident. They might review your driving history and conclude that you are a risky driver, and they might be able to collect medical records that demonstrate your involvement in prior collisions. These are all unfounded claims that a defense attorney for you may easily refute. Please don’t fall for its tricks.

They’ll make you a meager settlement offer.

Rogue insurers will wait until you’re in a desperate enough situation to accept any settlement they offer. Any “lowball” offer can seem alluring when hundreds of dollars in monthly bills keep you from functioning. Thankfully an experienced auto accident injury lawyer will spot these stall tactics and lowball offers and contest the insurance company’s bad-faith actions. Insurance companies react considerably more quickly when a lawyer threatens to file a lawsuit.

They use your statements against you.

Calling you immediately following an accident to check on you is another tactic. An insurance adjuster may ask you to submit a written statement. It is best to shut your mouth around anyone or say “no” formally. The goal of insurance providers is to get you to say something they may later use to change your account of what happened. Instead, give your car accident attorney full authority to manage any correspondence. You get more relaxed and are kept safe.

The takeaway

Speaking with an insurance adjuster without consulting a car accident injury lawyer is never advisable. A competent lawyer can advise you accordingly and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.