Games Illinois Car Insurance Adjusters Play to Delay and Deny Claims

If you’re interacting with an insurance adjuster following an accident, be on your guard. They often try to play games to minimize the payout. They’re trained to be charming and disarming, making you feel comfortable to admit to things that aren’t true to help the insurance company pay less.

Read on to learn more about the games insurance adjusters play and how you can protect yourself during the claims process.

Who Are Insurance Adjusters?

The insurance company hires adjusters to determine how much they should pay for your claim. Their goal is to minimize the payout for their company.

Insurance adjusters will typically:

• Review the claim and your policy to help them understand what you’re asking for and if it’s covered under your insurance.
• Investigate the claim. During their investigation, they will obtain witness statements, review police reports and medical records, examine video footage, and more. They may also ask for additional paperwork and time to review the documentation.
• Review your options. The insurer will determine if the accident is covered under your policy. If so, they make recommendations based on what they’re willing to pay or fix. The first offer is often the lowest to see what they can get away with.

While it may seem like it, it’s important to remember that insurance adjusters are not your friend. They are on the insurance company’s side.

Common Games Insurance Company Adjusters Play

Insurance adjusters have many tricks up their sleeves when protecting the insurance company’s best interest. Here’s an overview of some common games insurance adjusters play.

The Lowball Offer

Adjusters may offer a low settlement to start. They’re trying to see if the claimant will accept it without a fight. While it may seem like anything is better than nothing, you can counter to get a better offer. The insurer usually relies on the fact that victims who have not retained legal representation may lack the confidence to do this.

Delaying Tactics

An insurance adjuster may try to delay the process unnecessarily. They may ask for new information, conduct additional investigations, transfer the claim from one adjuster to another, or request more time to review the claim.

These delay tactics are intended to frustrate the victim and pressure them into accepting a lower settlement. The claimants may be under financial pressure, so they believe any settlement will help them.

Requesting Excessive Documentation

During the investigation, adjusters can ask for unnecessary documentation to slow the process. They will say they can’t thoroughly investigate the insurance claims without it and put the burden back on the claimant.

This behavior can be incredibly discouraging to victims, especially if they don’t have easy access to the documentation. Trying to track the information down can cause severe delays.

Downplaying the Severity of Injuries

Adjusters may attempt to minimize the impact of the injuries you sustained during the accident. They may try to get you to admit you don’t feel that bad. They could also rush the process before you know the full extent of your injuries or exclude medical opinions from their consideration.

They can justify a lower settlement by doing so. The settlement may cover the cost of the vehicle, but it will not cover all your medical expenses, including future medical costs.

Blaming the Victim

Insurance adjusters may attempt to reduce the company’s financial liability by blaming the victim. They will try to shape their investigation to prove the claimant was at fault or downplay the at-fault party’s role. By reviewing medical records, they may claim the personal injuries were pre-existing conditions and absolve the insurance company of responsibility.

Recorded Statements and Misrepresentations

Insurance adjusters will ask if they can record your conversations and then use your words against you to deny claims. They can try to twist your words, take them out of context, or completely misrepresent your statements.

They will try to get you to admit to things on record. Never consent to a recorded statement or sign anything without thoroughly reviewing it or seeking legal counsel. An attorney can help you understand your rights.

How to Protect Yourself from Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Awareness of these games insurance adjusters play is a great first step to protecting yourself. There are additional precautions you can take.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Seek legal representation to level the playing field and protect your rights. An experienced attorney knows all the games and won’t fall for their tricks. They will represent you so you can get maximum compensation.

Limit Communication with the Adjuster

After you retain the services of a reputable attorney, they should communicate on your behalf. Avoid direct communication with the adjuster and let the lawyer handle all interactions. That way, you won’t accidentally admit to anything that could harm your personal injury case.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all communications, medical treatment, therapy, and expenses you incurred due to the injury. Obtain a copy of police reports, witness statements, and other supporting evidence.

Turn it over to your attorney to help them build your personal injury case. This step will help them determine the fair compensation you are owed and negotiate with the insurance company.

Be Patient and Persistent

The claims process takes time, especially if the insurance company plays games. It’s essential to remain patient and persistent when pursuing your personal injury claim.

The insurance company wants to do what it can to minimize payouts to injury victims. A personal injury attorney will do their best to advocate on your behalf, representing your best interests to help you recover compensation. It may take time, but it will be worth it.

Secure Expert Legal Representation

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Reach out to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Chicago personal injury law firm can help you understand your legal options, pursue justice, and secure compensation.

To get started on the path toward financial recovery, call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.