When you’re injured in a car accident and file an insurance claim, you may soon be contacted by an adjuster, whose job it is to investigate and evaluate the matter. The adjuster’s primary goal is not to get you fairly compensated; it is to minimize the amount their company pays out, often as quickly as possible. To accomplish this goal, they may engage in sly, underhanded or even deceptive tactics. These are the most common:

  • Making quick, lowball settlement — Adjusters will often reach out within days or even hours of the accident, offering a fast payout. While the lure of immediate cash is tempting, these early offers are designed to settle claims before you fully realize the extent of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot reopen your claim, even if new symptoms emerge.

  • Requesting a recorded statement — Though adjusters may say this procedure is routine or harmless, their intent is to uncover inconsistencies in your story. At this early stage, you might not know the full scope of your injuries or how the accident will affect you long-term. Adjusters are trained to steer your answers in directions favorable to the insurer. Don’t consent to giving a recorded statement without an attorney.

  • Minimizing or disputing your medical treatment — Adjusters may argue your care was delayed, unnecessary or not related to the accident. Any gaps in medical treatment or mention of “pre-existing conditions” can be leveraged to undervalue your claim. 

  • Downplaying your injury — Adjusters may dismiss injuries as “minor” or “soft tissue” and assert that there’s “no objective evidence.” They may also reject allegations of noneconomic harm, such as pain and suffering and mental distress.

  • Scrutinizing your social media presence — Seemingly innocent posts such as smiling in a photo, attending an event or carrying groceries can be distorted to suggest you’re less injured than you claim. Posts taken out of context may be used against you, so it’s wise to be cautious online.

  • Delaying the claims process — Time becomes an ally to the insurer, since financial stress, mounting medical bills and lost wages may pressure you to settle for less. Such delays are rarely accidental. They’re often calculated efforts to weaken your resolve.

  • Blaming you for the accident — Adjusters may aim to invoke state laws that reduce payouts when a victim was negligent. In Tennessee, a victim must be less than 50 percent at fault for an accident. In Virginia, the contributory negligence law can bar recovery of damages by a victim who is even 1 percent at fault.

These tactics are widespread and perilous. If contacted by an insurance adjuster, it is best to state that you will not answer questions until you speak with a lawyer. Only with a skilled auto accident attorney can you be sure that your rights are protected and that your claim will be evaluated fairly.

Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC in Bristol, Tennessee has represented auto accident victims in the Tri-Cities since 1909. Call us at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.