Posted on Monday, July 10th, 2023 at 3:51 pm
If you have suffered injuries in an accident, you must file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to receive compensation for your losses. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating, especially if they are not treating you fairly after an accident. Adjusters rely on various scare tactics during the claims process, hoping victims will take less than they rightfully deserve. But you can turn the tables and rattle insurers by knowing your rights, being prepared, and working with a tenacious attorney – all tactics that ‘scare’ an insurance adjuster into making a fair offer.
Insurance carriers are focused on profits, not people. You may face denial, delays, and lowball offers as the injured party. While positive negotiations are ideal, showing you will not cave to intimidation can convince adjusters to behave ethically. That’s where working with a lawyer comes in very handy.
Scare Tactics Insurance Adjusters Use
Knowing how to scare an insurance adjuster requires a thorough understanding of their tactics. Common approaches adjusters take to frighten victims into settling cheaply include:
- Making quick, low offers before the full extent of the losses is known
- Threatening a protracted litigation process if the injured party does not lower their demands
- Saying they will contest liability unless victims accept a reduced payout
- Delaying communication and dragging out the process
- Referencing strict time limits for claims that do not exist
When subject to such psychological pressures, many injured individuals believe they have no choice but to accept the lowball offer that is on the table. But it is essential to remain strong and avoid falling for these tactics. With the right approach and a skilled legal team on your side, you can scare the insurance company instead.
Read more: What NOT to say to an Insurance Adjuster
Getting the Most out of Your Negotiations
Insurance adjusters have extensive training and the might of their companies behind them. However, they are human too. They will respond to assertive negotiation tactics if you know how to approach the situation. Here are tips for scaring adjusters into offering fair settlements:
Know Your Rights
Insurance adjusters may try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by offering you any money at all. However, it is your legal right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses after an accident another party caused. Understand what the law says you deserve to reclaim. Never settle for less than what you need to cover the full extent of your losses. Educate yourself on state statutes and consult an attorney with any questions you may have.
Document Everything
Create a paper trail with written communication and keep detailed records. Solid documentation of the process can make insurers nervous and demonstrate to them that you know what you are doing.
Read more: How to Collect Evidence at an Accident Scene
Stay Calm and Patient
Avoid emotional outbursts or desperation, as losing your cool can easily backfire. Project confidence and know your claim is worth waiting for. Hurried settlements benefit insurers, as they generally want to settle quickly. Taking your time can give you the upper hand in the negotiation process.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Make clear you know the initial offer is usually inadequate. Politely state that you know you have a right to initiate litigation and will explore other options if needed.
Finish Your Treatment Before Settling
Some accident-related injuries heal relatively quickly. However, more severe injuries require more prolonged treatment plans, which are considerably more expensive. Because insurance adjusters recognize this, they may pressure you into settling before the full cost of your treatment is clear. Letting them know that you would prefer to wait and follow the advice of your medical professional will signal to them that you are unwilling to settle for less than you deserve.
Read more: Receiving Medical Attention After an Accident
Working with An Aggressive Attorney Is the Best Way to Scare an Insurance Adjuster
The most frightening thing for insurance companies is an experienced personal injury attorney advocating for accident victims. Adjusters know lawyers have the skill and knowledge necessary to maximize claims. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our record of success scares insurers into paying substantial settlements. We know when to negotiate professionally and when aggressive tactics are needed. With us on your side, adjusters will take your claim seriously.
Do not go it alone against the insurance giants. Contact our office today for dedicated legal representation. The Georgia accident attorneys at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. have helped injury victims recover millions in compensation over decades. Let us go to work scaring adjusters straight on your behalf. We will fight for the maximum settlement so you can focus on healing. Call us today at (770) 205-8827 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Related pages: