What Insurance Companies Do Not Want You to Know

In personal injury cases, insurance companies play a big role. They are expected to provide financial coverage in situations where their insured party, whether an individual or a business, causes harm to another.

However, in reality, these companies prioritize profitability and aim to minimize payouts to victims. They try to pay as little as they can by arguing over who’s at fault or how much the injury is worth. They use the fact that most people don’t understand the legal system or how injury claims work to their advantage, basically benefiting from what you don’t know.

Understanding the hidden strategies of insurance companies is crucial. By learning about their tactics, you ensure your rights are safeguarded following an accident.

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our personal injury attorneys are experienced in battling insurance companies’ tactics for over 50 years in the D.C. Metro area. We aim to level the playing field and provide information to protect your rights. If you’ve been hurt, reach out for a free consultation. Our attorneys are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.

6 Things Insurance Companies Don’t Want You to Know About Personal Injury Cases

After you file a claim with the other party’s insurance company, they will hire an insurance adjuster to investigate the case. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to minimize the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out on a claim.

1 – You Have Rights After an Accident

It is a common misconception that insurance companies operate with the victim’s best interests at heart. However, the primary objective of these companies is profit maximization, not the welfare of those involved in accidents. This misunderstanding can lead individuals to accept less compensation than they deserve.

Recognizing and asserting your rights after an accident is essential. Doing so can make a significant difference in your dealings with the insurance claims adjuster, helping to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that accurately reflects the value of your claim. Knowledge is power in these situations, and understanding your rights is the first step towards securing the compensation you are entitled to.

What Are Your Rights?

• The right to refuse a quick settlement offer
• The right to seek legal representation
• The right to have your medical expenses covered
• The right to receive compensation for lost wages
• The right to negotiate the compensation amount
• The right to be informed about the claim process
• The right to privacy regarding your medical records
• The right to a fair and unbiased investigation of your claim
• The right to reject unreasonable delays in the claim process
• The right to sue if the settlement offered is not satisfactory

2 – The Initial Settlement Offer Is Negotiable

When an insurance adjuster presents you with a settlement offer, it’s important to remember that this is often a starting point for negotiations rather than their final offer. Adjusters are skilled in proposing lower amounts than what your claim might genuinely be worth to conserve the company’s financial resources. This tactic relies on the assumption that claimants may not fully comprehend the true value of their claim or the subtleties of the negotiation process. Accepting the first offer can lead to receiving compensation that falls short of covering all your injuries and damages.

It is within your rights to review any offer critically, consult with legal professionals, and prepare a counteroffer if necessary. A counteroffer should reflect a more accurate valuation of your claim, taking into account all the expenses and impacts your injury has incurred. Presenting a well-reasoned response backed by evidence can lead to more favorable negotiations. Remember, professional legal advice can be invaluable in ensuring you receive a fair and adequate settlement that covers your needs and losses.

3 – You’re Not Obligated to Discuss Your Case with Insurance Claims Adjusters

A tactic frequently employed by insurance companies involves attempting to engage claimants in conversations that could inadvertently harm their case. Insurance claims adjusters are trained to ask probing questions in hopes of eliciting responses that could be used to reduce or deny compensation. These questions often touch upon the details of your injuries, the treatments you’ve undergone, the extent of your work absences, and might even include requests for access to your medical records.

It’s crucial to understand that you have the right to withhold certain information from the insurance company. Instead of navigating these tricky waters alone, consider enlisting the support of a skilled attorney. A legal professional can advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights remain protected while engaging in negotiations with the insurance company. This strategic move not only shields you from potentially disadvantageous disclosures but also strengthens your position in securing a fair settlement.

4 – You CAN Hire a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

Navigating the aftermath of any accident can be overwhelming. Whether a car accident, medical malpractice, or bicycle accident, it is essential to have an experienced attorney by your side. These legal professionals specialize in managing cases like yours, ensuring that you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Often, insurers adopt aggressive tactics with unrepresented claimants, aiming to settle for the lowest possible amount. By hiring a personal injury attorney early in the process, you guarantee that someone knowledgeable and skilled is fighting for your rights and interests. A qualified attorney not only levels the playing field against insurance companies but also works diligently to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries and losses. This proactive step is crucial in safeguarding your rights and ensuring a fair resolution to your claim.

5 – The True Role of Insurance Claim Adjusters in Negotiations

Remember, insurance adjusters are trained negotiators working to save their company money, typically by offering you a lower settlement. They are not there just to assess your claim fairly but also to find ways to pay out as little as possible. This can put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re not familiar with negotiation tactics. Knowing their goal can help you be more cautious during negotiations. It also highlights the necessity of having an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you, ensuring you receive an appropriate settlement that truly covers your injuries and damages. Legal support can make a significant difference, helping to balance the scales in your favor.

6 – You Can Fight Back After a Denied Claim

Should your insurance claim be rejected, don’t lose hope; you have options for recourse. It’s your privilege to contest the company’s decision through the legal system. Hiring a seasoned attorney is a wise first step. These experts can guide you through the process of contesting the denial, including filing all the required legal documents and standing up for your rights in court. Remember, a denial isn’t the end of the road. With the right legal assistance, you can push back against the insurance company’s decision and strive for a favorable outcome.

How Much Money Can I Recover?

When you work with a personal injury attorney, they will fight to get you the full amount of compensation that you deserve. This may include reimbursement for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you may even be able to recover punitive damages if the other party was particularly careless or reckless.

For more than 50 years, the Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyers of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: 

• $17 million verdict for the family of a woman who died when a hospital failed to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy, causing her death.
• $15 million for a woman who was permanently paralyzed from the neck down as a result of being struck by a stray bullet.
• $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury as a result of a rear-end collision.
• $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury as a result of a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product.
• $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan.
• $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk.
• $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a police officer opened his cruiser’s door into his bicycle. 

See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Dealing with the insurance company after a preventable accident and injury can be a challenging part of the personal injury claim process – and it is not the only part. If you want help taking the right steps after your accident, our award-winning personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. are here to help.

We serve car accident victims and other personal injury victims throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia and offer FREE case consultations. Contact us to get started.