3 Common Lies from Insurance Companies

Beware of Insurance Companies Who Say These Three Things

Dealing with insurance companies is often one of the most challenging aspects of sustaining a personal injury, storm damage to a home or business, or navigating other kinds of claims. In some cases, adjusters may mislead policyholders into agreeing to a settlement too quickly or signing off on documents without knowing the full scope of the situation. Other instances may involve trying to lead an individual into providing extraneous information to be used against them later.

To better prepare yourself to take on any claim, here are three common misconceptions to be aware of when dealing with insurance companies.

#1. You Have to Provide a Recorded or Written Statement

After a car accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company and asked to provide a recorded or written statement about what happened. The insurance adjuster will try to downplay the importance of this request, but giving a statement without having all the facts can work negatively against your claim.

In providing these statements, you give the insurance company a chance to use your own words against you. If the dispute advances into the courtroom, the company’s lawyers may use the statement to disprove your testimony and reduce the compensation they owe.

In any claim, it is essential to remember that you are not required to provide a recorded or written statement to the other party’s insurance company. If you are contacted, politely decline and let them know that your lawyer will handle all further communication.

#2. You Must Use a Specific Doctor or Contractor

Regardless of whether you’ve been injured or have damages to your home, the insurance company may try to direct you to a specific doctor or contractor they have an established relationship with. It’s important to know that you have the right to choose your medical care and contractor/repair service during a claim.

However, if you sustain more severe injuries and the case goes to trial, the opposing party and court may ask you to submit to an independent medical evaluation (IME) with a specific doctor. If this is the case, know that you may be able to have your attorney present during the examination or prepare you ahead of time for the questions that they may ask. Should you have an IME, ensure that you receive a written report with their findings and note any discrepancies or misinformation.

#3. You Do Not Need a Lawyer to Help with an Insurance Claim

Another common lie insurance companies will tell policyholders is that they do not need to hire a lawyer to help with their claim. They will likely explain that the claim is straightforward and can be resolved quickly without needing to involve a lawyer. Although in some cases this may be accurate to an extent, most personal injury or property damage claims are best handled by an experienced attorney.

Working with a lawyer will help you better understand how to deal with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement. They will also be able to spot any red flags or attempts at lowballing your compensation that the insurance company may try. And ultimately, one of the most significant benefits is that they will typically handle all communication on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about misspeaking.

How Our Tulsa Attorneys Can Help

You don’t have to handle insurance companies alone. Our experienced Tulsa attorneys will work with you to determine the best possible outcome and advocate for your rights from start to finish. We have done extensive work in personal injury and other insurance claims and can help ensure that you obtain the desired result. Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team today by calling 631-769-8431 or filling out this short form.