How Insurance Companies Minimize Personal Injury Claims

We all want to believe that our insurance company is on our side, but when it comes down to it, they are not. Often, they are sadly interested in paying as little as possible—or not at all—when it comes to your personal injury claim. To them,you are a number,not a person.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we understand that you are a person whose life is now changed forever from your accident and injury. We want to make you whole again; we’ll work hard to get you the settlement you deserve.

If you are involved in an accident, please keep in mind that insurance companies may use strategies to minimize your personal injury settlement. Call us immediately so we can help you from the beginning.

Reports

One of the easiest ways for insurance companies to minimize personal injury claims is to use reports. The most used reports include:

police reports,
witness reports,and
personal statement reports.

Insurance companies want to limit payout for personal injury claims and they may misrepresent these reports.

When you are involved in an accident and are injured you will be questioned by the police as they compile information that turns into a police report. Any bystanders nearby will also be asked questions. And there is a good chance your own insurance company will ask you about the accident. This is where you need to be wary of giving out personal statements.

You should not speak with anyone—except the police and then you should only give out basic information—until you are represented by an attorney.

Simple statements such as “I was running late to work” can imply that you were speeding, even if you were not. Additionally, a lot of victims will tend to minimize the accident(or not even fully understand the extent of their injuries at the time of the accident), which can come back to haunt you later.

Your statements can impact your injury claim. You should not speak with anyone—except the police—until you are represented by an attorney.

Medical Records

Insurance companies may also use your private medical records as a strategy to minimize personal injury claims. It is extremely important that you do not allow your insurance company access to your medical reports. Never sign a medical release form without your attorney’s permission.

There are two main reasons behind their request, which can have dire consequences on your personal injury claim:

Insurance companies will misuse the information in your records to their advantage. They will try to portray your injuries as less serious than they are.
Insurance companies are looking for pre-existing conditions in your medical records, which if found, could weaken the legitimacy of your current medical needs and injuries.

Do not sign a medical release form without speaking to your attorney first.

Your Activity

One of the last common strategies used by insurance companies is to keep tabs on your activity.In this day and age of technology and social media, it is very simple for insurance companies to follow you.Even if you have your settings ‘private’.

Believe it or not, insurance companies use surveyors to review and document your activities through your online presence. This information is then used against you; they will manipulate your words and photos to suggest you are not injured and do not deserve compensation.

As tempting as it may be, do not post anything about your accident, even if it seems benign,on social media.

Become Whole Again, Get Maximum Compensation

We believe no one should ever handle an insurance company alone. Unfortunately, they do not have your best interest at heart.Having an attorney by your side every step of the way is the best way to maximize your personal injury claim.

At Mickey Keenan, P.A. our goal is to make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering. Call (813) 871-1300 for a free case evaluation today—you never pay unless we win your case. Yet another way we treat you like family at our firm.