You're injured in a car accident and you don’t know what to do. You follow the steps that you’ve always been told, and you contact your insurance company to file a claim. However, the crash was caused by someone else’s actions, so you need to go against that person’s insurance company for the compensation you deserve.
What seems like a straightforward process is often complicated the moment the other insurance company becomes involved. From that moment on, you’re up against a company willing to do whatever it takes to limit their liability—thus limiting how much they are required to pay you for your injuries.
Here are some of the steps the insurance company may take to limit liability on their behalf.
Claiming Your Damages Are Not Covered
Insurance companies have very specific terms in their policies that many claimants don’t know. They’ll try to say that the injuries you sustained or your property damage is not covered under their policyholder’s agreement. This may not be the truth and if they lie, they’re acting in bad faith.
Prolonging the Case and Increasing Your Need for Compensation
Part of the play insurance companies run is prolonging parts of the case in hopes that you experience additional financial hardship and will just accept whatever amount they’re willing to pay. This tactic works far too often because of the seemingly insurmountable healthcare bills coupled with the lack of income if you’re unable to work.
Using a Recorded Statement Against You
The insurance company will often request that you provide them with a recorded statement of the accident and what occurred. The purpose? Find any differences between what you initially said when filing a claim and what you tell them over the phone.
If they can find something to use against you, they’ll stop at nothing to put you at fault for the accident.
With McGee, Lerer & Associates on your side, you can feel at ease throughout the process. Our Santa Monica car accident lawyers protect you from these tactics and go the extra mile to pursue the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for your losses.