After an accident, many people assume the insurance company will treat them fairly. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line—not your recovery.
In Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, injured victims often unknowingly damage their own claims by trusting tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. Understanding these strategies can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Role of an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster’s job is to evaluate claims and determine how much the insurance company should pay. While adjusters may appear helpful and friendly, their ultimate goal is to settle claims for as little money as possible.
For accident victims dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and pain after a serious injury, these tactics can significantly impact the outcome of a claim.
Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics to Watch For
Requesting a Recorded Statement Immediately
Shortly after an accident, an adjuster may call and ask for a recorded statement about what happened. They may say it’s just a routine part of the process.
In reality, recorded statements can be used against you. Adjusters may ask carefully worded questions designed to get you to say something that shifts blame or minimizes your injuries.
If your statement later conflicts with medical records or witness accounts, the insurance company may argue that your claim is unreliable.
Offering a Quick Settlement
Another common tactic is offering a fast settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
For example, someone injured in a Philadelphia car accident might initially feel only minor soreness. Weeks later, they may discover serious injuries such as herniated discs or traumatic brain injuries. Accepting an early settlement usually requires signing a release that prevents you from seeking additional compensation later—even if new medical issues arise.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance companies frequently attempt to argue that injuries are minor or unrelated to the accident.
Adjusters may claim:
- Your injuries were pre-existing
- Your medical treatment is excessive
- Your symptoms are exaggerated
These arguments are often used to reduce the value of claims involving serious injuries such as spinal trauma, fractures, or traumatic brain injuries.
Monitoring Your Social Media
Many people don’t realize that insurance companies routinely review social media accounts when evaluating claims.
A simple photo or comment can be taken out of context and used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. For example, a picture from a family gathering may be presented as evidence that you are physically active and not suffering from the injuries described in your claim.
Why Philadelphia Injury Victims Should Be Cautious
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially responsible for an accident. Insurance adjusters may attempt to shift blame onto you in order to lower the amount the company must pay.
This is particularly common in cases involving:
- Car accidents on busy Philadelphia roadways
- Slip-and-fall injuries in commercial properties
- Construction or workplace accidents
Without proper legal representation, injured victims often accept settlements far below what their case is actually worth.
How an Experienced Injury Attorney Can Help
An experienced personal injury attorney can protect you from insurance company tactics by handling communication with adjusters, gathering evidence, and negotiating aggressively on your behalf.
At Cooper Schall & Levy, P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience representing injury victims in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. We understand how insurance companies operate and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek legal guidance before speaking extensively with an insurance company.
The attorneys at Cooper Schall & Levy, P.C. are committed to helping accident victims in Philadelphia and surrounding communities navigate the legal process and pursue full and fair compensation.
Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your claim.
