Being injured in any type of accident can be a traumatic experience, but the battle doesn’t end there. Oftentimes, getting your medical bills and other damages paid for usually involves going through an insurance company.
This may sound simple enough, but it’s important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. They will do anything they can do deny or devalue your claim using a variety of sneaky tactics.
SPINNING YOUR STATEMENT
Immediately after an accident, an adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to get a recorded statement from you. Remember that they are doing this with the purpose of using something you say against you when you are in a vulnerable state.
They will ask you about what happened and any injuries you sustained in the accident. You may have immediately felt no injuries, but days later, starting having pains related to an injury you sustained. If you say something that contradicts your statement or medical records later on, they may try to deny your claim.
DENYING LIABILITY
Virginia insurance law follows a pure contributory negligence system, meaning that injury victims may be barred from pursuing compensation against an at-fault driver is they were partially at fault for the accident.
One of the most common ways that insurance companies will try to deny claims is by denying that the person they insured was entirely responsible for the accident. They may try to claim that you were the one engaging in risky behavior or that you were partially responsible because you did not treat your injuries immediately after the accident.
MINIMIZING YOUR DAMAGES
The insurance company may try to prove that your injuries were not directly caused in the accident They could look at medical records to determine if you have ever had any similar injuries in order to make you look less credible. They may even scour your social media accounts to see whether you are doing everyday activities in order to prove your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
In times like these, you want someone who is looking out for your own best interests— that’s where Huffman & Huffman comes in. Our team of skilled car accident attorneys will work as your legal advocates to ensure that the insurance company does not take advantage of your rights to fair and full compensation.
We will help seek justice on your behalf. Contact Huffman & Huffman at (757) 599-6050 to schedule your free case evaluation.
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