Insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their profits than providing fair compensation to injury victims. As a result, they may use various tactics to minimize or deny claims. Michael DeMayo Injury Law is well-versed in these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. Here are 12 common strategies insurance companies use and how the firm fights back to protect clients’ rights.
1. Offering a Low Initial Settlement
Insurance companies often offer a low initial settlement in the hopes that injury victims will accept it without questioning whether it’s enough to cover their damages.
How the Firm Fights: Michael DeMayo Injury Law reviews settlement offers carefully and negotiates aggressively to ensure clients receive fair compensation that accounts for all current and future damages.
2. Delaying the Claims Process
Delaying the processing of a claim is a common tactic used to frustrate injury victims into accepting a lower settlement or giving up entirely.
How the Firm Fights: The firm pushes insurance companies to move the claims process forward and, if necessary, files lawsuits to force action and prevent further delays.
3. Disputing Liability
Insurance companies may dispute liability, claiming that their policyholder was not at fault for the accident, even when evidence suggests otherwise.
How the Firm Fights: Michael DeMayo Injury Law gathers strong evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony, to prove liability and hold the responsible party accountable.
4. Claiming Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies may argue that the injuries were caused by pre-existing conditions rather than the accident itself.
How the Michael DeMayo Firm Fights: The firm works with medical experts to demonstrate that the accident either caused new injuries or aggravated pre-existing conditions, ensuring that clients receive the compensation they deserve.
5. Minimizing Injuries
Another common tactic is to downplay the severity of injuries, claiming that they are not as serious as the victim claims.
How the Firm Fights: Michael DeMayo Injury Law documents the full extent of the client’s injuries through medical records, expert testimony, and ongoing treatment reports to prove the severity of the harm.
6. Using Recorded Statements Against You
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement and use anything you say against you later in the claims process.
How the Firm Fights: The firm advises clients not to give any recorded statements without legal representation, ensuring that they do not inadvertently harm their case.
7. Arguing You Were Partially at Fault
In states that follow comparative negligence laws, insurance companies may try to argue that you were partially responsible for the accident to reduce your compensation.
How the Firm Fights: The firm works to minimize the percentage of fault attributed to the client and maximize their recovery by presenting clear evidence of the other party’s negligence.
8. Disputing Medical Treatment
Insurance companies may argue that certain medical treatments are unnecessary or that the victim didn’t seek treatment soon enough.
How the Firm Fights: Michael DeMayo Injury Law ensures that clients receive prompt and appropriate medical care and provides documentation to prove the necessity of all treatments.
9. Misinterpreting Policy Language
Insurance companies may intentionally misinterpret policy language to limit their financial responsibility.
How the Firm Fights: The firm thoroughly reviews insurance policies to ensure that all benefits are fully utilized and that the insurance company is held accountable for their obligations.
10. Claiming the Injury Isn’t Covered
Insurance adjusters may claim that certain injuries or damages aren’t covered under the policy, even if they are.
How the Firm Fights: The firm meticulously examines the insurance policy and disputes any unjust denial of coverage by the insurance company.
11. Pressuring Victims to Settle Quickly
Insurance companies often pressure victims to settle quickly before they fully understand the extent of their injuries or the long-term costs.
How the Firm Fights: Michael DeMayo Injury Law advises clients to wait until they have completed treatment or reached maximum medical improvement before considering a settlement.
12. Denying Claims Without Explanation
Some insurance companies may simply deny claims without providing a valid reason, hoping that the victim won’t challenge the decision.
How the Firm Fights: The firm challenges wrongful claim denials by gathering evidence and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to ensure that the insurance company honors its obligations.
FAQs
1. Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
It’s usually best not to accept the first settlement offer, as it’s often lower than what you deserve. Your lawyer will negotiate for a better offer that covers all your damages.
2. What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
If your claim is denied, contact your lawyer immediately. Michael DeMayo Injury Law will review the denial and fight to overturn the decision.
3. How can I prove that the other party was at fault for the accident?
Your lawyer will gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove liability and strengthen your case.
4. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
It’s best not to provide a recorded statement without first consulting with your lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you later.
5. How long does the claims process take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but your lawyer will work to move the process along as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
Conclusion
Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize or deny claims, but Michael DeMayo Injury Law knows how to fight back. By staying vigilant, gathering strong evidence, and negotiating aggressively, the firm ensures that clients receive the compensation they deserve. If you’re dealing with an insurance company that’s trying to take advantage of you, trust the team at Michael DeMayo Injury Law to protect your rights.