When you file an injury claim, you expect fair compensation. However, insurance companies often use subtle tactics to reduce or deny payouts. If you need support with filing a personal injury claim, understanding these tricks is the first step to protecting yourself.
Delaying the Process
One of the most common tricks is intentionally delaying your claim process. Adjusters may take weeks to respond to your calls or emails. They might request the same documents repeatedly, claiming they didn’t receive them. These delays frustrate claimants and push them to accept lower settlements out of urgency, especially if medical bills are piling up.
Requesting Unnecessary Documentation
Insurance companies often ask for documents unrelated to your claim. For example, they may demand years of past medical records even if only your recent injury matters. Their goal is to find pre-existing conditions to blame for your injuries, reducing their responsibility to pay.
Using Your Words Against You
After an accident, an adjuster will likely contact you for a recorded statement. They seem friendly, but their questions are designed to make you say something that can be twisted. Even simple answers like “I’m fine” or “It’s getting better” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Offering Quick but Low Settlements
Insurance companies sometimes offer fast settlements within days of an accident. While this might seem like efficient service, it’s a tactic to pay you before the full extent of your injuries is known. Once you accept, you can’t ask for additional compensation later, even if your medical costs increase.
Disputing Medical Treatments
Another hidden trick is disputing the necessity of your medical treatments. Insurance adjusters often claim that certain procedures or therapies were excessive or unrelated to your accident. They may consult their own doctors to give “second opinions” that support denying part of your claim.
Blaming You for the Accident
Insurers often shift blame onto the victim. They might argue that you were partially or fully at fault to reduce the payout under comparative negligence laws. For example, they could say you were distracted while walking, even if a driver clearly hit you. Without strong evidence on your side, this tactic can significantly lower your compensation.
Monitoring Your Activities
It’s not uncommon for insurers to monitor claimants’ social media accounts or hire private investigators. If they find photos or videos of you engaging in activities that appear inconsistent with your injuries, they use it as evidence to deny or reduce your claim. Even normal activities taken out of context can harm your case.
Claiming Policy Exclusions
Insurance companies may deny claims by citing obscure policy exclusions. They interpret policy language in ways that favor them rather than you. For instance, they might argue that certain injuries aren’t covered or that your treatment provider wasn’t authorized under the policy terms.
Arguing Your Injuries are Pre-Existing
If they discover any record of prior injuries, they may argue that your current pain or disability is linked to the old injury rather than the new accident. This is why they request extensive medical histories. Even if your prior injury was resolved, they might use it as a reason to reduce compensation.
What You Can Do
Understanding these tricks helps you prepare. Never provide recorded statements without legal advice. Avoid discussing your injuries on social media. Always seek medical care promptly and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep copies of every medical report and bill.
Most importantly, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle negotiations. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, while your attorney will ensure your rights and evidence are protected. This improves your chances of getting the compensation you truly deserve.
Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit. Their tactics are designed to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. Stay informed and cautious, and seek professional support if your claim process becomes overwhelming.
