In the aftermath of a car accident, you’ll likely face a whirlwind of challenges: medical bills, vehicle repairs, missed work, and possibly long-term recovery. One hurdle you might not expect is the difficulty of dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, their primary goal is to minimize their payouts, which often means offering you far less than what you deserve.
Insurance companies, whether your own or the at-fault drivers are profit-driven businesses. That’s why it’s essential to understand their most-used tactics to be prepared when they try to undervalue your car accident claim.
Why Do Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Claims?
Before diving into specific tactics, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not charities. Their primary objective is to maintain profitability, which they achieve by paying out as little as possible on claims. To do this, they use a variety of strategies designed to reduce, delay, or deny your compensation.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Insurance companies’ tactics to minimize your car accident claim can be subtle or overt. Either way, the goal is to minimize the amount they pay on your claim. Below are six of the most common tactics insurance companies will utilize to achieve this goal:
1. Disputing Fault or Liability
One of the most common ways insurance companies minimize claims is by disputing who was at fault. Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. If the insurer can argue that you were partially to blame, even by a small percentage, they may reduce the amount you’re entitled to or deny your claim outright.
2. Offering Quick, Lowball Settlements
Another tactic insurers often use is offering quick, lowball settlements soon after the accident. They know you’re likely stressed about medical bills, car repairs, and time away from work, so they’ll hope you accept their initial offer without questioning whether it’s enough. These initial offers are often significantly lower than what you’re entitled to, especially when the full extent of your injuries or long-term medical costs isn’t yet known
Remember, you can’t return for more once you accept a settlement. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a lawyer before agreeing to any offer from an insurance company.
3. Questioning the Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance companies often downplay the severity of injuries to minimize payouts. They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim or suggest that pre-existing conditions are responsible for your pain. Delays in seeking medical treatment can be used as evidence that your injuries aren’t severe, while gaps in treatment may raise suspicion in the insurer’s eyes.
4. Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies know that time is on their side. By slowing down the claims process, they hope to pressure you into accepting a lower offer simply out of frustration. Prolonged negotiations, requests for additional documents, or slow responses can all be used to drag out the process. This can be especially problematic if you’re waiting on compensation to cover urgent medical bills or car repairs.
5. Disputing Medical Treatment Costs
It’s common for insurance companies to argue that some of your medical treatments are unnecessary or unrelated to the accident. They may also claim that the cost of your treatment is too high, offering to cover only a portion of your medical expenses. This happens more often when dealing with specialized treatments, ongoing rehabilitation, or surgeries that may be needed months or years after the accident.
6. Denying Certain Coverages
Sometimes, insurers claim that specific damages or losses aren’t covered under your policy. For example, they might deny coverage for rental cars, towing services, or certain medical treatments. They may also argue that you didn’t report the accident promptly enough or that your policy doesn’t cover accidents caused by certain circumstances.
How to Strengthen Your Nevada Car Accident Claim
Knowing these tactics is just the first step. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, here are some things you can do to strengthen your claim:
Document Everything
Start gathering evidence as soon as possible after the accident. This includes photos of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Police reports, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the accident are crucial. The more evidence you have, the harder it will be for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor initially, seeking medical care right away is essential. Delays in treatment can give the insurance company an excuse to downplay your injuries. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders and keep detailed records of all treatments, prescriptions, and medical bills.
Keep a Record of Communication
Maintain a detailed log of all interactions with the insurance company. Write down the names of the representatives you speak with, the date and time of the conversation, and a summary of what was discussed. Keeping track of all correspondence can help you if there’s a dispute over what was said or agreed upon.
Work with a Dedicated Car Accident Lawyer
Perhaps the most important step you can take is to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer. An experienced Nevada car accident attorney will know how to deal with the insurance company’s tactics and fight back so you get the compensation you deserve. They can also handle all negotiations, so you don’t have to deal with the stress of managing your claim on your own.
Let Oronoz & Ericsson Personal Injury Lawyers Fight for You
At Oronoz & Ericsson Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand insurance companies’ tactics to minimize your claim, and we’re here to fight back. With years of experience in Nevada car accident cases, we know how to navigate the complex claims process and maximize your compensation.
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call (702) 878-2889 to schedule your consultation.