When you have been involved in an accident, you’re likely managing more than physical pain. On average, a severe injury may cost over $300,000 in medical bills, lost wages, property damages and other losses, nearly tripling in the event of an accident-related disability. For a personal injury accident victim, seeking compensation from an insurance company may be instrumental to recovery and alleviating the financial burden of an accident.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are less than keen to compensate you fairly for your injuries and use specific strategies to devalue your accident claim to save as much money as possible. At Goza & Honnold, we understand the methods insurance adjusters use to minimize the value of your claim and have decades of experience aggressively advocating on the behalf of victims, recovering tens of millions in settlements and verdicts.
5 Strategies Kansas Insurance Companies Use to Devalue Your Accident Claim
Kansas insurance companies may use various strategies to devalue your accident claim. It is best to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to assist you in navigating these common methods of minimizing your claim, including:
1. Rushing You Into a Quick Settlement
A common strategy used by insurance adjusters is rushing you into a settlement to lowball the settlement value you are owed. It may be more beneficial to your claim to avoid signing any release agreements, especially in instances where injuries may be latent. Consult with an experienced Kansas personal injury attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected, and you obtain the monetary compensation you deserve.
2. Using Statements Against You
Avoid any conversations with an insurance company until you have discussed your claim with a skilled personal injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters are eager to use any statements you make against you in diminishing or denying your claim. It is best to use extreme caution when speaking to them.
3. Advising You Against Retaining a Lawyer
Insurance companies may advise you against retaining a personal injury lawyer because it makes it more difficult for them to devalue your claim. When you have someone fighting for your best interests, it can mean longer settlement negotiations and a higher payout, which insurance adjusters often hope to avoid.
4. Requesting a Medical Authorization Release
While it is customary for insurance companies to request to see medical records to prove the severity of your accident-related injuries, an insurance adjuster should not have access to previous medical records that pertain to past illness or injury. Unrelated past conditions can be used against you to discredit your current injury.
Because of this, it is imperative to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer before authorizing a medical release. Working with a lawyer will help you ensure the insurance company will only see the injuries they need to verify.
5. Using Surveillance to Discredit Injuries
While it may not be common knowledge, it is legal for an insurance adjuster to utilize video surveillance of you during your claims process, even outside of your home. They use this strategy in hopes that they catch you doing something against your treatment plan or doctor’s orders to discredit your injuries.
With the help of a skilled Kansas personal injury lawyer, you may ensure that they stop using surveillance against you and fight on your behalf in court if they attempt to undermine your injuries.
Speak With the Experienced Kansas Personal Injury Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Insurance companies will do everything in their authority to discredit and devalue your accident claim. At Goza & Honnold, we are well-versed in negotiating with insurance adjusters and navigating the methods they try to use against you to minimize the full compensation you are owed. We have decades of experience recovering fair settlements for our clients who have been harmed due to someone else’s negligence, and we are prepared to fight for you.
At Goza & Honnold, our Kansas personal injury lawyers will handle the complexities of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. Schedule a complimentary consultation today at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form.