Too often people in your shoes slip up and say one small thing or make a small mistake that ends up costing them a lot of money and peace of mind.
Be Careful! Herrman & Herrman wants to protect you from being taken advantage of, know these 9 tactics when dealing with an insurance company.
1. Adjuster has not called within a week of your accident.
This could mean the insurance company is understaffed, ignoring your claim, or it could be that the other party isn’t insured at all.
2. Adjuster does not want to put anything in writing (Limits Information).
Insist that you be provided with a letter that identifies the insurance representative and their company. VERY IMPORTANT. This should state policy & claim numbers. Confirm that the other party in the accident was insured the day of the accident.
Request that the auto policy limit be disclosed in writing. If this request is refused, CALL ME & LET’S TALK! If you are seriously injured, you need to know what can be claimed. If you do not know the limits, it could cost you a lot of money.
3. Adjuster refuses to confirm that the wrong-doer was at fault.
Ask that the adjuster provide you with a letter that states their client was insured AND at-fault for the accident. If the adjuster believes that their client is not completely at fault, request that their explanation be stated in writing. Always talk to a lawyer about comparative fault laws in your state, this can be tricky.
4. Adjuster wants to ‘record’ you.
DO NOT let anyone record you! If you give any ‘incorrect’ answers, it could cost you a lot of money. Before you give a statement, ALWAYS speak with a lawyer first. Most adjusters already know how the accident occurred based on the police report & statements.
5. Adjuster wants you to sign a written medical release.
Most insurance companies want you to sign a ‘general wide-open release’ This is more information than they are entitled to. Call a lawyer before signing anything. Remember, you can talk to me over the phone for FREE… even before you become my client.
6. Adjuster is dodging you.
If it is difficult for you to contact the adjuster or you are being ignored, this could be a delay tactic on your case. Delays will cost you serious money!
7. Adjuster offers you a tiny check.
If the adjuster offers to pay you a tiny amount, call a lawyer right away. Ask that the offer be put into writing and have it reviewed by a lawyer.
8. Adjuster says you do not need a lawyer.
If the adjuster tells you not to get a lawyer, or tells you that you do not need legal advice, you would be wise to be concerned. Why would insurance companies want to keep you away from a lawyer? Could it be that the adjuster does not want you to know the true value of your case? The insurance companies’ own reports show that people that hire a lawyer receive typically 2.5 times greater settlements than those who negotiate claims themselves.
9. Insurance company is delaying by using their voicemail.
Another tactic, the insurance company are allowing adjuster’s calls to go straight to voicemail. This tactic allows the adjusters to avoid phone calls. Thus, your settlement will be delayed.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
