According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Georgia had one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the nation during the first half of 2022. An estimated 901 people lost their lives on Georgia roads so far this year, ranking it fourth among all states. With so many deadly crashes occurring, countless other motorists and passengers have suffered severe injuries that drastically impacted their lives.
When you file an insurance claim after getting hurt in a crash, you’ll have to negotiate with professional adjusters working for the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, not to make you whole. Many use deceptive tactics to lowball injury victims.
Here are five of the biggest lies Georgia adjusters tell people seeking fair compensation:
Lie #1: “You’d Be Better Off Settling Now Instead of Hiring an Attorney”
Insurers want victims to settle directly with them as soon as possible. Adjusters may pressure you to accept an early lowball settlement by arguing you’ll get your money faster and won’t have to pay attorney fees. Don’t fall for it. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to maximize the value of your claim and will almost always get you a larger settlement, even after fees. Hiring a good lawyer protects your rights.
Lie #2: “We Need to Wait and See If You Heal Before We Can Offer a Settlement”
Adjusters often tell victims they have to wait months or years before receiving a settlement offer. They argue they can’t determine the value of the claim until all treatment has finished and the injuries have fully resolved. This is false. Your attorney can immediately calculate an estimate of the compensation you deserve based on your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering already endured, and a prognosis from your doctor. You don’t have to wait indefinitely for a fair offer.
Lie #3: “Your Injuries Aren’t That Severe”
Insurers will try to downplay and minimize your injuries to justify lowball offers. Adjusters may say you have “just” a sprain or strain and that you’ll heal quickly. They are not medical experts. Don’t let them dismiss how much pain you’re in or how your injury affects your life. Your own doctor’s assessment of the severity of your injuries and prognosis for recovery should guide any settlement discussions, not the adjuster’s unqualified opinion.
Lie #4: “You’re Partially at Fault for the Crash”
Adjusters often claim victims share some blame for their crashes, even when the insured driver clearly caused the collision through reckless or negligent driving. They’ll nitpick your actions behind the wheel to put some fault on you and reduce their payout. Only accept a reduced settlement if an independent expert confirms you bear some responsibility. Don’t let them push a shared fault argument without evidence.
Lie #5: “We’ll Take Good Care of You”
Insurers like to portray themselves as being on your side. Adjusters may promise to treat you fairly and give you the compensation you deserve out of the goodness of their hearts. Make no mistake: they answer to shareholders, not traffic accident victims. The only way to force an insurer to pay the full value of your injury claim is by presenting a strong case with your attorney. Don’t expect the insurer to look out for your best interests.
Don’t Get Victimized Twice
Being injured in a serious car accident is hard enough without having insurance adjusters deceiving you. Protect yourself and your rights by working with a trusted Georgia personal injury attorney from the start. An experienced lawyer understands all the tactics adjusters use to deny and delay fair payments to victims. With a dogged advocate on your side, you can avoid getting taken advantage of during the claims process.
The attorneys at Monge & Associates have been helping injured Georgia residents get the maximum compensation they deserve for over 30 years. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients just like you. Our personal injury lawyers will immediately investigate your crash, build a strong case proving the insured driver’s fault, and fight the insurer for full and fair compensation. Don’t go it alone against deceitful insurance adjusters. Our dedicated advocates are here to help you move forward and recover both physically and financially from your motor vehicle injury.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Georgia, Utah, and Texas.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 before you accept any type of offer from your insurance provider.