After an accident, your life may be turned upside down. You are dealing with pain, shock, and confusion. The insurance will show up. They speak calmly. And they may even seem helpful. Is the insurance company really on your side?
The truth is that insurance companies are not charities. Their priority is not your recovery. It is their profits. However, they are not outright villains. You just have to be careful. Remember, insurance companies know the system inside and out. And they can employ tricky tactics to minimize your payout.
Want to stay one step ahead? You need to understand these tactics. You can push back on a low offer or refuse to rush a decision. Knowledge is power. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will protect your rights.
#1: The First Settlement Offer Is Almost Always Low
If you have been in an accident in Aiken, South Carolina, you will be shaken about it. Sometimes, the insurance company will come with a check in hand. However, the first offer is rarely enough to cover everything you are dealing with.
After an accident, you will be overwhelmed and maybe even desperate. So, insurance companies may take advantage of your situation. They know you have bills piling up, such as medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages. The first offer is designed to save them money. It is not intended to help you out.
Why settle for less than you deserve? The value of your claim goes far beyond a quick payout. You have to think about the long-term costs. Do not jump at the first number they throw your way. Instead, consult an attorney who can assess what your case is really worth.
Your lawyer will dig into the details, such as lost income, repair estimates, and medical records, and negotiate for what you actually need. At Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, & Staggs (JJWLS), we know the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims, and we will not let you settle for less.
Not sure where to start? That is okay. Call us at (803) 649-5338 for a free consultation.
#2: Recorded Statements Can Be Used Against You
You have probably heard of the saying, “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” It does not just apply to courtrooms. Insurance companies love recorded statements. Do you know why? Because they can twist your words.
Right after an accident, your emotions are likely running high. You are rattled and stressed. And you are just trying to get through the conversation. If the insurance rep asks for a recorded statement, they are looking for anything they can use to downplay your claim.
Before giving a statement, you need to talk to your personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will help you understand what is okay to say and what is not. And if you must speak with the insurance adjuster, keep it simple. Stick to the facts. Do not even apologize. You need to protect yourself. So, no small talk and no guesses.
#3: You’re Not Required to Accept Their Estimate
The insurance company may send over an estimate for repairs or medical costs. It might look official. In fact, they will frame it as the final word. But it is not. These estimates are often low or just plain wrong. The insurance company does not have your best interest at heart. They just want to reduce costs.
Your medical treatments could take months, not weeks. Your car’s damage might be more expensive than their adjuster realized. So, do not settle for their numbers. You have every right to get a second opinion. Take your car to a trusted mechanic. And consult your own doctors about what treatments you will need.
Do not let an insurance adjuster decide what you are owed. That is why having an attorney can make a huge difference. Your lawyer will challenge these lowball estimates and back up your claim with hard evidence. Your lawyer will gather solid evidence, including medical records, independent evaluations, and photos.
#4: They Might Downplay Your Injuries
The insurance adjuster might tell that you your injuries do not look too bad. Those words might sound reassuring at first. Unfortunately, your injuries might be serious. Insurance companies love to downplay injuries. It is one of their oldest tricks.
Insurance adjusters will look for any excuse to minimize your claim. They can point to the lack of visible injuries at the scene. They can argue your medical records do not show enough evidence of pain and suffering. And they might even suggest you are exaggerating.
Remember, some injuries do not always show right away. For instance, internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage can take time to reveal themselves. You will, therefore, need to go to the doctor, even if you feel okay after the accident. And you need to document everything, including appointments, test results, and treatments.
#5: You Have More Time to File a Claim Than They Let On
After an accident, the clock starts ticking. Insurance companies love to feed that sense of urgency. So, they can pressure you to settle now before it is too late. The truth is that you have got more time than they are letting on.
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. So, your personal injury lawyer will have plenty of time to gather evidence and build a strong case. The rush is not real. They just want to get you to settle before you realize how much your claim is worth.
You need to take your time. But do not drag your feet. You need to investigate the accident, get proper medical evaluations, and talk to witnesses. And most importantly, you need to consult a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process. If you spend more time preparing, your case will be strong.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage – Protect Your Rights Today!
Insurance companies may seem like they are helping you after an accident. However, their real goal is cutting costs. They can tempt you with quick checks, downplay your injuries, and even try to rush you into decisions. These tactics are designed to save them money. They are not designed to help you rebuild your life.
You do not have to settle for less than what you are worth. You have the right to question their estimates and push back low offers. Therefore, take the time you need to make informed decisions. You need to fight for the compensation you truly deserve. That is why having the right team can make all the difference.
Accidents do not just leave you with injuries. They leave you with questions. Who is responsible? How will you pay your bills? How do you move forward?
That is why you need to contact Johnson, Johnson, Whittle, Lancer, and Staggs. We specialize in personal injury cases and know how to navigate the twists and turns that come after an accident.
We will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. We will handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters. Worried about costs? Don’t be. We work on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless you win. It is a risk-free way to get top-notch legal representation in Aiken, SC.
Call us at (803) 649-5338 for a free initial consultation.
