Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough—navigating insurance claims shouldn’t make it harder. Unfortunately, many Idaho accident victims find themselves facing insurance companies that use tactics to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
Knowing the common strategies insurers use after a Boise car accident can help you protect yourself and maximize your compensation. In this post, we’ll uncover some of the most frequent insurance company tactics and explain how an experienced car accident lawyer can level the playing field.
Why Insurance Companies Use These Tactics
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to reduce the amount they pay out on claims. While many insurers operate fairly, some use aggressive tactics to save money—even if it means denying valid claims or undervaluing injuries.
Understanding these tactics helps you recognize when you’re being treated unfairly and empowers you to respond appropriately.
Common Insurance Company Tactics After a Car Accident
1. Delaying the Claims Process
One tactic is simply stalling. Adjusters might take a long time to return calls, request excessive documentation, or “lose” your paperwork. The hope is that you’ll get frustrated or desperate and accept a low settlement just to close the case.
2. Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often start with a settlement offer far below what your claim is worth. They might downplay your injuries or the cost of vehicle repairs, hoping you’ll accept the offer before you realize your full damages.
3. Disputing or Minimizing Injuries
Adjusters may claim your injuries aren’t serious or that they pre-existed the accident. They might request unnecessary medical exams or use recorded statements to find inconsistencies and discredit your claim.
4. Blaming You for the Accident
To reduce liability, insurers might try to argue you were at fault—sometimes exaggerating your percentage of blame. This tactic reduces the payout since Idaho follows a comparative negligence rule.
5. Requesting Recorded Statements
Adjusters often ask accident victims to give recorded statements early in the claims process. They are trained to ask leading questions that can be used against you later. Many experts advise against providing recorded statements without legal counsel.
6. Pressure to Settle Quickly
You may face pressure to accept a quick settlement before you fully understand your injuries or financial losses. Accepting early can limit your ability to claim future damages, including ongoing medical treatment or lost wages.
How to Protect Yourself from Insurance Company Tactics
- Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without a Lawyer: It’s your right to decline or delay recorded statements until you have legal advice.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of medical visits, expenses, lost income, and communication with insurers.
- Avoid Apologizing or Admitting Fault: Be polite but factual. Don’t say anything that might imply fault.
- Consult a Boise Car Accident Lawyer Early: An attorney can handle all insurer communications and protect your rights.
- Be Wary of Quick Settlement Offers: Take time to understand the full extent of your damages before agreeing to anything.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Dealing with Insurers
Having a lawyer on your side shifts the dynamic. An experienced Boise car accident attorney will:
- Communicate directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Reject unfair settlement offers and negotiate for fair compensation
- Gather evidence to prove liability and the extent of your injuries
- Advise you on whether a settlement is fair or if litigation is necessary
- Help ensure your claim includes all damages—medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more
Idaho-Specific Considerations
Idaho’s pure comparative negligence law means your compensation can be reduced if you share fault, which insurers may try to exploit. A lawyer familiar with Idaho law can fight inaccurate fault assignments and maximize your recovery.
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies have teams of professionals working to protect their bottom line. When you’re dealing with injuries, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, you need a strong advocate on your side.
If you’ve been injured in a Boise car accident, don’t let insurance tactics shortchange you. Reach out to a local car accident lawyer who understands the common tricks insurers use and knows how to protect your rights. We recommend boise car accident lawyer.