Insurance companies are for-profit companies that do everything possible to minimize the value of claims or deny them altogether to save a quick buck. If they can successfully argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, they may be able to justify a lower settlement offer. Here are some strategies they may use to challenge the severity of your injuries after a car accident:
Citing Minimal Impact
Insurance companies may state that since the vehicle damage was not severe, neither are your injuries. However, this is often not the case.
Even when accidents are low-speed, serious injuries can still occur. Vehicles are made of metal and have safety features that can minimize crash damage. However, the body is not built to withstand such force. Car accident victims may suffer whiplash, a concussion, spinal cord damage, or other severe injuries even when the impact is minimal.
Blaming Delayed Medical Treatment
The insurance company may try to exploit any delay in seeking medical treatment. It may claim that your injuries were not that bad if you did not require emergency care. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after an accident.
Pointing to a Pre-Existing Injury
Another common insurance company tactic is to blame a car accident injury on a pre-existing injury or health condition. Insurance companies often ask claimants to sign blanket medical release forms that they use to dig into years of the claimant’s health history to find some other condition to point to.
Even if you have a pre-existing injury, if you suffered a new injury or exacerbated an existing condition, you still have the right to recover compensation, so don’t accept this excuse.
Not Understanding Invisible Injuries
Many injuries, such as soft tissue injuries or traumatic brain injuries, that car accident victims suffer are invisible in nature. They might not appear on X-rays or other imaging studies. This allows insurance companies to diminish the severity of injuries or deny that they exist. However, you may be able to establish their existence with detailed medical documentation or medical expert testimony.
Requesting Independent Medical Examinations
Insurance companies might order independent medical examinations (IMEs) to have a physician of their choosing evaluate you. These seldom result in objective findings.
Following Personal Injury Victims
Insurance adjusters may conduct surveillance on claimants in person to try to capture them doing strenuous activity. They may ask neighbors about their activities.
They could also follow personal injury victims online, monitoring their social media posts for pictures of them smiling, exercising, or taking vacations. They could also look for comments about the accident that they could use against the claimant.
Contact an Experienced San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer for Help Dealing with Insurance Companies
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, you shouldn’t have to deal with an insurance company that is trying to minimize your injuries. George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help you level the playing field against insurance companies and fight for the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.