TOP FIVE THINGS INSURANCE COMPANIES WILL TELL YOU
THAT ARE JUST NOT TRUE
When speaking with potential new clients our New Client Department hears a lot of stories from potential clients about what the insurance companies and adjusters have told them. They try to create a reality which makes potential clients feel helpless while hiding information that would be useful to them. They can be misleading, rude, and sometimes flat out lie. Here are the top five deceitful lines we’ve heard from potential clients after speaking with the insurance company:
- “We Will Pay For Your Medical and an Inconvenience Fee.”
Within the first 2 -3 weeks after a collision, insurance companies will often claim that they can only pay for your emergency room bill plus an ‘inconvenience fee’. What they mean by an ‘inconvenience’ is actually your pain and suffering settlement. The initial amount our New Client Team has heard consistently is “emergency room visit plus $500 as an inconvenience fee.” This amount is more often than not well below the value of the case. Once you have agreed to this, and signed a release for this pay-out, your claim is closed. Don’t fall victim to thinking this is all you deserve.
- “Go Ahead and Treat and We Will Pay for your Treatment.”
This statement may be reassuring, but the vast majority of time it is not the truth. As the Plaintiff, in the State of Texas, your attorney has the burden of proof to prove your injuries and damages. The insurance company wants you to continue treatment without representation for as long as possible, because they will find reasons not to pay for it. The most common reason is a gap in your treatment. This might be where you decide to take a 2-4 week break to see how you are improving, only to have the insurance company say later that they won’t pay for it because if you weren’t treating then you must not be hurt. Don’t play their game. They don’t want you to hire an attorney for as long as possible, because the longer the attorney is not involved, the more difficult the burden of proof can be. Your attorney will be able to fight for you, against any nonsense reason the insurance company can come up with as to why you shouldn’t be compensated properly.
- “That Medical Treatment Was Not Reasonable and Necessary.”
Insurance companies will often claim certain medical care is “not reasonable or necessary in light of the injuries sustained”. This is completely arbitrary and not their determination to make in our civil court system. In fact ultimately, if no other agreement can be reached, it is the determination of the judge or jury to decide what medical treatment is reasonable or necessary. Your job is to follow your doctor’s orders and get better. If you’re having a problem with the insurance company denying your medical treatment, tell them to call your lawyer!
- “This Offer is Going to Expire.”
There’s really no such thing as an expiring offer from an insurance company. If they don’t want to extend a settlement offer under good faith, then that’s their issue. The only real expiring offer is the two year statute of limitations that a Plaintiff has to bring a lawsuit. This means that you have two years to file a lawsuit after your auto accident, so be sure and act quickly.
- “We Need a Recorded Statement.”
Many times insurance companies will tell you they need a recorded statement in order to make a liability determination. Most of the time however, in this recorded statement, adjusters will use misleading questions so you give misleading answers. Later, the recorded statement is used against you in ways you would have never anticipated. If you’re hurt in an accident and they ask for a recorded statement, make sure to have your lawyer present.
BONUS STATEMENTS:
- “You’re not eligible for medical care.”
- “Since you’re husband/sister/child/parent is the one who hit you, we can’t pay for your claim.”
- “Your vehicle wasn’t damaged enough for you to be hurt.”
At the end of the day, the insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible, regardless of the amount you actually deserve. They’ll give you any excuse they can to not pay you properly.
– Chris Anderson
