Crashes and other acts of negligence can result in people suffering some of the most catastrophic injuries. In the aftermath, the injured party endures financial, emotional, and physical hardships. They need to seek compensation for the injuries they sustain. In South Carolina, car accident cases fall under the “fault” system.
Injured parties can seek compensation from the at-fault person’s insurance company. However, before moving forward with the process, it’s crucial to recognize some ways insurance providers try to minimize claims. Working with an attorney can safeguard you from many tactics that insurance companies use to take advantage of injured individuals.
If you suffer an injury in a car accident, call us today at (843) 408-0599.
A Focus On Profits Over People
Insurance companies are large businesses. To operate, they must make money. When they receive a claim, they have to pay out compensation as needed. Still, they are not always willing to do so — especially in an at-fault state where the negligent driver’s insurance provider is responsible.
When an injured person files a claim, the insurance company looks for any possible option to minimize how much they pay. If they can deny the claim entirely, they will. Unfortunately, injured parties suffer the most, unable to pay the expenses associated with their accident and injuries. It’s vital to recognize what insurance adjusters use against you.
Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide them with a recorded statement detailing your recollection of the accident. With a recorded statement, insurance adjusters can use anything you say when determining your claim’s outcome. If any part of your statement contradicts initial reports, insurance adjusters may attempt to use this against you.
Medical History
We always recommend that you tell your doctor about all injuries you sustain in a car accident. Unfortunately, if you leave something out and the doctor doesn’t treat it, insurance adjusters will quickly overlook it when paying compensation. Insurance adjusters may also look at pre-existing conditions to determine if you can seek compensation for a specific injury.
Claim Delays
Insurance adjusters may offer you a settlement for a much lower amount than you deserve. If you deny that amount and claim to deserve more, insurance companies may delay a further investigation into your claims. They hope you will need the money enough to accept whatever offer they give you, so insurance adjusters may delay the claim because they know you are in a vulnerable situation.
Why It Helps to Have a Lawyer On Your Side
Insurance companies train their adjusters to protect profits. They work extensively to prevent claimants from receiving their full amount of compensation because claims threaten their bottom line. However, insurance companies know they can’t get away with some of the tactics they commonly use to take advantage of claimants with a lawyer on your side.
An attorney helps safeguard you from insurance adjusters while maximizing your claim’s value. Keep in mind: you have the right to have your lawyer answer questions in a recorded statement. You don’t have to go through any of this alone.
At Clawson Fargnoli Utsey, LLC, we are creative, compassionate, and relentless. We don’t back down from insurance companies who try to bully claimants into accepting less than they deserve. We want our clients to feel peace of mind every step of the way.
Our Charleston car accident attorneys empower you through the process, giving you the confidence to make crucial decisions in your claim. It can be an overwhelming time for you, and our team wants to be your trusted advocates. Let us be your voice and pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
Call our firm today at (843) 408-0599 and learn how we can help you with every step of the process.
