As Arizona personal injury attorneys, we have long heard the phrases “ambulance chaser” and “frivolous lawsuits.” These terms often lead to an accident victim’s reluctance in hiring a personal injury attorney. Understandably, these stereotypes and myths often stem from annoying advertisements such as flashy billboards or corny commercials. However, the misleading negative connotations associated with personal injury attorneys and victims are driven by insurance companies who exaggerate and misrepresent the truth to avoid fully compensating accident victims.
At Torgenson Law, we always recommend that accident victims should contact an attorney if they are pursuing a personal injury claim. Of course, many injury victims sometimes attempt to resolve their injury claims without representation. Unfortunately, under these circumstances, insurance companies often try to take advantage of unrepresented parties. Here are a few shady tactics to look out for when trying to settle your personal injury claim directly with the insurance company:
Lowball Offers
Insurance adjusters will likely try to settle your claim with what they will call their “best offer.” With this trick, the insurance company is relying on your relative inexperience in valuing personal injury damages. These first offers are often well below the true value of your claim. More specifically, they likely do not even compensate you for the full value of your crash-related medical expenses. In doing so, they are also ignoring your pain and suffering and wage losses.
Delaying Settlement
It is no secret that insurance companies are usually in no rush to compensate you for your injuries. Adjusters will find any excuse to delay settlement negotiations. Sometimes they might even ignore you completely. Insurance companies might also ask for more medical records or tell a claimant that a new adjuster will be handling the claim. Of course, there is always the infamous “two week vacation.” These excuses and delays can break the spirit of accident victims and coerce them to accept lowball settlement offers. Also, if you do not settle your claim prior to the statute of limitations, you may lose your right to compensation altogether.
Some insurance companies even have a habit of telling injury victims that their claims have been “settled” or that they will pay your medical bills. Do NOT trust word alone. It is a major red flag if you do not receive a settlement release that specifically outlines the details of your settlement. Once again, these insurance adjusters could be hoping to delay compensation until the statute of limitations lapses. Don’t let this happen to you!
If you have suffered a personal injury, do not let insurance companies wear you down or bully you into accepting less than you deserve. Instead, call Torgenson Law at (602) 726-0747 if you need an experienced injury lawyer who can protect your rights and aggressively battle on your behalf for just compensation.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
