Common auto insurance company delay tactics to watch for
Car Accident - July 8, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
Auto insurance company delay tactics are common after a crash. If you get hurt or suffer property damage in a collision, seek out legal help. By working with a Chicago car accident lawyer, you can be better equipped to deal with a wide range of insurance company delay tactics.
The legal team at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has a wealth of experience with auto insurance claims. For more information, get in touch with us. We also encourage you to check out our list below of five of the most common insurance claim delay tactics we encounter — and tips on how to deal with them.
1. Calling you just days after your accident
If you get a phone call from an at-fault motorist’s insurance company just days after your collision, be careful about how you respond. The insurer may offer you a settlement that’s unlikely to provide you with enough money to cover all of your losses. They may try to get you to speak on the record. In this situation, you may wind up accepting some or full responsibility for your crash, which could affect your ability to secure damages from the at-fault party.
There is a statute of repose and statute of limitations in place in Illinois. In an auto accident case, the statute of limitations applies. You may have up to two years from the date of your crash to seek damages from anyone responsible for it. Thus, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney if an insurer contacts you within days of your crash. A lawyer can help you submit a claim for a reasonable amount of damages.
2. Asking you to sign a medical authorization form
A liable motorist’s insurer may push you to complete an authorization to disclose or obtain information. They may make it sound like you’re legally required to share your medical information with them. However, if you agree to do so, you may compromise your case. This is due to the fact that the insurance company will have access to your medical records. The business may use this access to dispute your insurance claim and make it difficult for you to get the damages you want.
If an at-fault driver’s insurance provider requests your medical records, you don’t have to give them anything. It may be helpful to notify an attorney about the request. Next, you can hire a lawyer who can communicate with this insurer on your behalf.
3. Denying liability
There’s a mandatory vehicle insurance requirement in effect in Illinois. Just because someone slams their vehicle into yours doesn’t guarantee you’ll get damages, even if the at-fault driver has insurance. There are times when a liable motorist’s insurer denies responsibility, regardless of whether the other driver is actually at fault. The insurance company may do this in the hopes that you’ll give up on your claim altogether.
If an at-fault motorist’s insurance company won’t accept partial or full liability, you may want to seek out legal help. A lawyer can help you build a body of evidence to support your claim. They can make it clear to an insurer that you are in no way responsible for your collision, which could boost your chances of getting the maximum amount of damages.
4. Misleading you about your legal rights
An insurance company may be more focused on the best interests of its client than yours, in spite of the fact that the other driver caused your accident. The provider may claim you are entitled to only a certain amount of compensation or no damages at all. If they’re successful, they pay less, and you could end up without the compensation you need to recover fully.
If you’re not sure about your legal rights after a car collision, get help from an attorney. Choose a lawyer who has received many positive client testimonials. It’s vital to work with an attorney who has years of experience in claims such as yours.
5. Saying you don’t need to hire an attorney
If an insurance provider claims you’re better off without an attorney, consider why they may be saying this. They could want you to resolve your claim quickly before you realize the full extent of your injuries and damage. Instead of waiting for an insurance company to pay you damages, reach out to an attorney who puts your claim front and center.
At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we offer legal help in auto accident cases. If you’re dealing with an insurance company that’s delaying your claim, we’re here to assist you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us online or call us at (800) 985-1819.
