Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use

After an accident, it is important to know your rights.

Having an attorney on your side that can guide you through the legal process is beneficial. Injuries can be costly.

If you were injured due to the fault of another, you can seek compensation.

Insurance companies can make things difficult for you if you try and take them on without legal representation.

It is not uncommon for them to devalue car accident claims. In some cases, they will deny them altogether.

Insurance companies use a wide variety of tactics in these cases. Our attorneys understand their tactics.

We will make sure that you are not taken advantage of by them.

Richard Harris will protect your rights and seek the maximum compensation for the damages.

If you were in a car accident, call our law offices immediately.

Let us take a look at all the facts of your case.

Then we can best advise you on how to move forward. Our first consultation is always free.

Here are some of the most common tactics to watch out for.

1. Call Right After the Accident: Insurance companies will often try and call soon after the accident. They may seem friendly and concerned when speaking with you. They know that you are most likely in a vulnerable state. Accidents can be traumatic. A person is usually shaken up after a crash. The insurance companies want to talk to you before you have a chance to speak with an attorney. You may not even know what the full extent of the injuries is at this point in time. It is important not to give them information that can be used against you later. Remember that they are not on your side. They are on their side. Getting you the lowest payout for the damages is what they are seeking. Be careful in the words you use.
2. Taking Their Time Processing Claims: Contacting you is one thing. Insurers will be quick to get to you and use their tactics. When it comes to you trying to get a hold of them, they may not be so fast. Dragging claims out and taking their time is often the case. They may seem to be gathering more and more information along the way. They are in no hurry to pay you for the damages that you deserve. Their goal is to take their time and frustrate you. This is how they get many to agree to a lower settlement. Having an experienced attorney fight on your behalf is a big help.
3. Low Ball Offers: Car accidents can be stressful. Injury can create financial burdens as well. Losing time at work and medical costs can be expensive. Being without a car can add to stress. Insurance companies understand this. This is the time they will often try and make a lower offer to you. They know that you are in a vulnerable position. If you are without legal representation, this can be confusing. The offers that they may make may not even cover a small percentage of the costs. Don’t let them talk you into accepting a low-ball offer before you speak with an attorney. Make sure that you receive a fair settlement for the damages.
4. Claim Injuries Are Not from the Accident: Insurance companies may try and say that your injuries were not from the accident. They may claim that you were injured before the accident took place. In some cases, they may say that the injuries happened after the accident. This strategy is to confuse the claimant. It is important that you seek immediate medical attention after an accident. This will give you proof that the injury occurred. If you don’t, it leaves open these possibilities. The insurance companies will seek any advantage that they can find. Questioning the legitimacy of the claim will allow more time to pass before a settlement is reached.
5. Deny Liability: Insurance companies may try and deny liability for the claim. This is often a tactic to try and get you to settle for a lower amount. If you are not aware of this, you may accept an offer that is well below what you deserve. Victims in Nevada have every right to seek compensation if they were injured by the negligence of another.
6. On the Record: The insurance company may try and get you to make a statement. This usually happens soon after the crash. You may not be thinking clearly. Getting a recorded statement from you can be damaging. Facts can be cloudy and injuries not fully understood immediately after a crash. Don’t allow them to walk you into a trap. Speak with an attorney before making any recorded statements.
7. Signing a Release Form: In order to get paid by the insurance company, you will need to sign a release form. They can make you feel obligated to sign it before, you are sure. This is another tactic that they will use. It is important to make sure that you are getting the just compensation that you deserve. Once you agree to their terms, you will no longer have the right to negotiate later. It is vital that you have a complete understanding of the terms that you are accepting.
8. Having Their Own Doctor Examine You: This can seem like a nice gesture on their part. Doctors may have a certain loyalty to the insurance company that is paying them. Doctors can be biased in their evaluations. You may not get a fair diagnosis if this happens. We would like to think that all doctors are looking out for your best interests. This is not always the case. An attorney can make sure that you are being treated fairly.
9. Try and Limit the Damages: It is common for insurance companies to hold back information. They may say that certain damages are not covered when in fact they are. This is another tactic that they use to limit their payout. They may say that pain and suffering are not covered under the terms. If you are not aware of your rights, you may settle for less than what you deserve.
10. Encourage You to Not Have Legal Representation: Having an attorney will give you your best chance at receiving maximum compensation. The insurance companies know this. They may try and talk you into not hiring an attorney. This will give them their best chance at getting you to accept a low-ball offer.

Nevada Car Accident Liability Laws

The state of Nevada follows a fault-based system.

The person or party that causes the accident is responsible for the damages.

If there are multiple persons or parties involved, they can be liable for their degree of fault in some cases.

These are some of the main concepts of Nevada accident law.

Duty to Stop: It is the law that you must stop at the scene of the crash. If there is injury or property damage, it is required that you stop at the accident site.

Report the Accident: An accident should be reported to the police and insurance company.

Insurance is Required: Nevada law requires all motorists to be properly insured when driving the roadways. Mandatory liability insurance must be carried by drivers.

Statute of Limitations: Those injured have a two-year period to file a claim. After this time, you will no longer be eligible to receive compensation.

Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be confusing. If injuries occur even more so. There are some important things that you can do after an accident occurs.

These steps can be helpful when filing a claim.

Think Safety: Make sure that you and others get to a safe location. Get vehicles out of danger if possible. If the damage is serious, call 911 for medical assistance. Be careful getting out of the car. You may be injured and in a confused state.

Report the Crash: Call the police to the scene of the accident. In minor accidents, police may be unavailable. If they do arrive, make sure to get a badge number, contact information, and a police report.

Exchange Information: Get names, numbers, and other contact information at the scene of the accident. It is important to also exchange insurance information.

Document Everything: Get out your phone and take pictures and videos. Show all angles of the accident. It is important to take pictures of your injuries as well. This can be used when proving your case.

Witnesses: If there are witnesses at the accident scene, get their information. Having a witness can be helpful to your case. If possible, get a statement from them.

Avoid Discussing the Accident: Don’t get yourself in conversations at the accident scene. The other person or party involved may try to get you in discussions that can be held against you later.

Call the Law Offices of Richard Harris: Having a legal team that understands how to take on the insurance companies is your best bet. Contact us by phone, email, or come to our office in person. We are ready to help.

After an accident always seek medical attention.

Even if it appears minor it is important to receive a full evaluation.

https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/what-to-do-after-car-accident/ (Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident)