Personal Injury Law

Insurance Companies Can Be Tricky When You Are Injured

By Ben Glass

Before you were injured in that Virginia auto accident, you probably never put a whole lot of thought into how the claim process works with the insurance company. After your crash, a friend or relative may have told you that if you write the insurance company a letter and are reasonable in your request, you will get a decent settlement proposal. It sounds simple enough, but the reality is that insurance companies often use tactics to delay or even deny claims.

Over the years, I have witnessed numerous tricks used by insurers designed to wear you out and get you to go away. Some of the most common tactics I have seen include the following:

1. Intentional delay
2. Requesting unnecessary information
3. Disputing medical treatment
4. Nickel and diming the medical expenses
5. Misrepresenting insurance benefits
6. Treating you like a friend (at first)
7. Making false promises

Insurance companies have been known to take advantage of people before they have an opportunity to speak with a personal injury attorney. There was one major insurance company that encouraged people to not even talk to a lawyer before settling the claim. This insurer attempted to use fear to deter claimants from obtaining good advice that could have helped them obtain a fair settlement.

The truth is – you might not need a personal injury lawyer to represent you, but it doesn't hurt to seek out legal advice, just in case you need it. The insurance company is going to protect its own interests, and you need to protect yours.

Full post as published by Northern Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer on February 16, 2010 (boomark / email).