How Insurance Companies Try to Undervalue Your Claim (And What You Can Do About It)
A proficient car wreck lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. They know that adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line, often at the expense of accident victims. These lawyers have a firm grasp of the nuances in policy language, liability laws, and state-specific regulations, all of which are critical in negotiating a fair settlement.
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If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may expect the at-fault party’s insurance company to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. After all, that’s what insurance is for—right?
Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses. Their priority isn’t your recovery—it’s protecting their bottom line. That often means minimizing payouts, even to legitimate injury victims. At Stuard Thornton Law Firm, we see it all the time.
Here’s how insurance companies try to undervalue your claim—and how you can protect yourself.
1. Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers
One of the most common tactics: offering a fast settlement for much less than your claim is worth. This usually happens before you’ve finished medical treatment or fully understand the extent of your injuries.
Why they do it:
They’re hoping you’ll take the money before realizing how much your case is actually worth—or before talking to a lawyer.
What you can do:
Don’t sign anything without legal advice. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for more—even if your condition worsens.
2. Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters might claim your injuries aren’t that serious, or suggest you’re exaggerating. They may even use things you say (or post on social media) to argue you’re not really hurt.
Why they do it:
To reduce the amount they’ll have to pay for medical costs, pain and suffering, or long-term care.
What you can do:
Get proper medical treatment and follow all instructions. Keep detailed records—and avoid posting about your case or your activities online.
3. Blaming You for the Accident
Insurers may try to shift part—or all—of the blame onto you. In many states, if they can argue you were even partially at fault, they can reduce (or eliminate) your payout.
Why they do it:
It’s a strategy to reduce liability. If they can assign 30% of the fault to you, that’s 30% less they have to pay.
What you can do:
Be cautious when speaking with adjusters. Don’t admit fault or speculate about the accident. Let an experienced personal injury attorney handle communication.
4. Delaying Your Claim
Sometimes insurance companies drag out the process, hoping financial stress will pressure you into accepting a lower offer.
Why they do it:
They know injured people are often dealing with mounting bills, lost wages, and stress. The longer they wait, the more desperate you may feel.
What you can do:
Get legal help early. An attorney can push the process forward and file a lawsuit if necessary to hold them accountable.
5. Disputing Medical Treatment or Bills
Insurers may argue your treatment was unnecessary or too expensive. They might even claim your injuries were pre-existing and not caused by the accident.
Why they do it:
To limit how much they have to pay for your recovery.
What you can do:
Stay consistent with treatment and keep every receipt, doctor’s note, and bill. Medical evidence is key to proving your claim’s value.
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The insurance company has adjusters, investigators, and lawyers working for them. You should have someone working for you.
At Stuard Thornton Law Firm, we fight to make sure our clients get the full compensation they deserve—not just what the insurance company wants to pay. If you’ve been injured, don’t let them take advantage of you. Let us help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Please consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.