Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims
Joseph Dedvukaj
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you expect the insurance company to compensate you fairly. Unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
As a car accident attorney with decades of experience, I’ve seen countless clients struggle with unfair insurance tactics designed to delay, deny, and diminish their claims. Many accident victims unintentionally fall into these traps, losing thousands of dollars in compensation.
To protect yourself, you need to understand how insurance companies work against you—and how you can fight back.
1. The “Fast and Low” Settlement Offer
One of the biggest red flags after a car accident is when an insurance company rushes to offer you a settlement. At first, this might seem like good news—they’re paying quickly, right? Wrong.
These fast, lowball offers are designed to get you to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. Once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more money—even if your medical bills skyrocket later.
How to Protect Yourself:
Gather strong evidence (police reports, photos, dashcam footage, witness statements).
Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
Have an attorney handle liability disputes on your behalf.
2. Disputing Your Injuries or Medical Treatment
Insurance adjusters are trained to question the severity of your injuries. They may claim:
Your injuries are “not that serious.”
Your pain is from a pre-existing condition.
You’re “exaggerating” your symptoms.
Certain medical treatments are “unnecessary.”
They may even send you to a so-called “independent medical examiner”—a doctor paid by the insurance company—who will downplay your injuries.
How to Protect Yourself:
Stick with your own doctors and follow their treatment plans.
Keep detailed medical records.
Work with an attorney who can counter these tactics with medical evidence.
3. Delaying Claims to Wear You Down
Insurance companies know that accident victims often face financial stress—mounting medical bills, lost income, and car repair costs. They use this against you by deliberately delaying the claims process, hoping you’ll accept a lower payout out of desperation.
Some common delay tactics include:
“We’re still reviewing your claim.”
“We need more paperwork.”
“Your adjuster is out of the office.”
How to Protect Yourself:
Document every conversation (dates, times, and what was discussed).
Follow up regularly and keep a record of all responses.
Hire a lawyer to put legal pressure on the insurer.
4. Shifting Blame to You
One of the sneakiest ways insurers reduce payouts is by blaming you for the accident. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, they may argue:
You were speeding.
You didn’t signal properly.
You were partially responsible, so they owe you less.
This tactic is especially dangerous in comparative negligence states, where your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How to Protect Yourself:
Gather strong evidence (police reports, photos, dashcam footage, witness statements).
Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without a lawyer.
Have an attorney handle liability disputes on your behalf.
5. Misinterpreting Your Insurance Policy
Insurance companies often twist policy language to deny claims. They may tell you:
“Your policy doesn’t cover this type of accident.”
“You didn’t report your injuries fast enough.”
“Your claim exceeds your policy limits.”
In many cases, these statements are misleading or outright false.
How to Protect Yourself:
Have a lawyer review your policy.
Push back against unfair denials—many policies DO cover more than insurers claim.
If the insurer acts in bad faith, you may be able to sue for additional damages.
6. Using Social Media Against You
You might think posting on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok is harmless—but insurance companies monitor everything.
Even an innocent post like:
“Great night out with friends!”
“Went for a short bike ride today!”
…can be twisted to argue that you aren’t as injured as you claim.
How to Protect Yourself:
Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or recovery.
Ask friends and family not to tag you in posts.
Set your profiles to private—but assume insurers can still see them.
7. Forcing You Into a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters often ask for a recorded statement, claiming it will “speed up” your claim. This is a trap.
They are trained to ask tricky questions designed to:
Get you to admit fault, even unintentionally.
Downplay your injuries.
Catch inconsistencies they can later use against you.
How to Protect Yourself:
Politely refuse recorded statements.
Stick to short, factual answers if you must speak.
Have an attorney handle all communication.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to reduce your payout. You deserve an advocate who will fight for your full compensation—including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
At The Dedvukaj Firm, we don’t let insurance companies take advantage of accident victims. With aggressive negotiation and proven courtroom strategies, we’ve helped countless clients recover millions in rightful compensation.
Injured in a Car Accident? Get a Free Consultation Today
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact The Dedvukaj Firm today for a free case evaluation. We’ll fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation—not the lowball offer the insurance company hopes you’ll accept.
Call 248-352-2110
Visit www.1866hirejoe.com
Members of the editorial and news staff of Law&Crime were not involved in the creation of this content.
