Fighting an insurance company after a car accident in Illinois can be one of the most surprisingly difficult aspects of pursuing a claim. Many people expect their own insurer to be on their side, and for the other driver’s provider to at least be understanding and not actively working against them. Unfortunately, the reality catches many people off guard.
Why Do Insurance Companies Try to Deny or Limit Car Accident Claims?
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Paying out claims reduces those profits, which means insurers are incentivized to pay as little as they can. The companies train their representatives and adjusters to employ tactics designed to get injured victims to accept less than their claims are actually worth – and once you accept a settlement offer, there’s no going back for more, even if the settlement doesn’t come close to covering your expenses and losses.
What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Use After a Car Accident?
Insurance adjusters use a variety of strategies to reduce or deny valid claims, and these tactics can be highly effective. Common examples include:
- Delaying responses or claim processing to pressure you into giving up or settling for less compensation
- Requesting unnecessary paperwork or repeated documentation to create frustration and confusion
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing or not serious enough to require compensation
- Using recorded statements against you by twisting your words or taking them out of context
- Offering fast, lowball settlements before you know the full cost of medical care and lost income
What Evidence Strengthens Your Claim Against the Insurance Company?
When preparing to file an Illinois car accident insurance claim, your attorney will gather evidence to support your version of events. This may include:
- The official police report
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Photos and videos taken at the accident scene
- Medical records
- Expert analysis of the accident, your injuries, and their likely impact
- Receipts, bills, statements, and other documentation related to the crash
It’s helpful to start gathering this evidence immediately following the crash. Connecting with an attorney right away can make the process of collecting evidence much more manageable. While you’ll need to keep an eye out for new documentation and pass it along to your lawyer as you go through medical treatment, they can take the lead on procuring outside evidence and using it to prepare your claim.
Steps to Take Right Now If the Insurance Company Is Giving You Trouble
The actions you take after a car accident can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. Chief among these should be reaching out to an attorney for representation. Your lawyer will handle all communications with insurers, protect your rights, and make sure you don’t accept anything less than you deserve.
You may hear from the other driver’s insurance company very soon after an accident. You must also report the collision to your own insurer. In these initial conversations, share just the basic facts, and don’t go on the record. If the company presses you for more details, tell them you won’t speak to them further without your attorney.
If you were injured in a collision someone else caused, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Our car accident lawyers in Chicago have fought for more than four decades on behalf of injured people and secured record-breaking awards. Reach out to get started with a free consultation.
