Do Car Insurance Companies Mislead Car Crash Victims?

Misleading car crash victims is often not that difficult. Victims are injured, unsure if they may be eligible for compensation, and they may even trust the insurance company to take care of them.

However, insurance companies do not leave it at that. They often make misleading statements, because they think they can get victims to give up on pursuing compensation. They may think they can get victims to accept a lowball settlement that does not cover all the victim’s medical expenses.

It is important to educate yourself on the kinds of misleading things car insurance companies often tell crash victims. This can help victims protect the full value of their claim.

If you have questions after a crash and need legal assistance, the licensed Maryland car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl are here to help. We have helped many crash victims recover compensation and we know the tricks insurance companies use to deny and devalue claims.

The initial consultation is free and there is no legal obligation.

Misleading Statements Made by Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters deal with crash claims every day, and they know how to manipulate accident victims. Their goal is to either avoid paying compensation or pay as little as possible.

If the insurance company fully paid out every claim, they would not be able to stay in business. To that end, there are many things they may say to protect the insurance company’s bottom line.

‘We are Here for You’

You may feel like the adjuster is your friend when he or she calls to discuss the accident. This is not an accident, as adjusters are trained to put crash victims at ease. While there is nothing wrong with the adjuster being friendly, it is important to remember whose side the adjuster is on. The insurance company is not your friend.

‘We Want to Get this Done Quickly’

This statement is not entirely untrue, but it is important to remember why the insurance company wants to get things done quickly. If the process drags out or a lawsuit is filed, the insurance company may end up paying out a lot more money than it wants to.

Do not let the insurance company rush you along. You need compensation for your damages, and you want to be sure you do not need to pay huge medical bills out of your own pocket. You should discuss quick settlement offers with an experienced lawyer to determine if they provide the compensation you need.

‘Your Injury is Preexisting’

The insurance company might say this even if you do not have a preexisting condition. However, even if you do, it may not prevent you from recovering compensation.

Be careful discussing your preexisting medical issues with the insurance company. It is better to keep things between you and your attorney. Your lawyer can determine if your preexisting condition may be an issue and prepare for the insurance company to bring it up.

‘If you do not Take Our Offer, You May Get Nothing’

The insurance company would like you to believe that the first offer they make is the only one they will make. However, the first offer is often just the starting point for negotiations. The insurance company knows crash victims are desperate for compensation and they are hoping that desperation will cause them to accept a lowball offer.

You are within your rights to make a counteroffer, and if the insurance company refuses to negotiate, your lawyer may be able to help you file a lawsuit.

‘You are Ineligible for Compensation Because You are Partially at Fault’

In Maryland, you cannot recover compensation if you are partially at fault for an accident. However, the insurance company may claim you are partially to blame when that is not the case. If you have no reason to believe you may be to blame for an accident, contact a licensed attorney to discuss the situation.

It is important to remember that being even one percent at fault makes you ineligible for compensation. While it may be difficult to prove partial fault, if you were cited for a traffic violation or damage to your vehicle indicates some other form of negligence on your part, you will likely be ineligible for compensation.

‘We Need You to Provide a Recorded Statement’

While you may need to sign or record a statement before the claims process concludes, it is often a bad idea to do this at the beginning of the legal process. You need to allow time for the crash to be investigated to determine what happened. You also need to complete your treatment to determine how severe your injuries may be and evaluate your ongoing treatment needs.

Your lawyer can advise you about what to say in a recorded statement to protect the full value of your claim and your credibility.

Once you record or sign a statement, your claim is limited by the contents of that statement. That is why it is so important to be cautious when agreeing to give a statement and to be cautious with what you say.

‘Laywers Take a Lot of the Settlement for Themselves’

You can discuss the compensation your lawyer receives during your free initial consultation. At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, there are no upfront fees and our lawyers do not get paid unless you get paid. However, it is important to remember that victims come out ahead when they receive a settlement, even with a percentage being taken out to cover their lawyer’s costs.

Call Today to Schedule Your Free Legal Consultation

You are not required to hire a lawyer after a car crash, but it is important to know those who do often recover more compensation. In fact, insurance company research has found victims represented by lawyers may be more likely to recover more compensation.

Our firm is prepared to help, and we have a proven track record. There are no upfront fees or legal obligations.

There are no upfront costs with our legal services. Contact us today at 410-907-3957.