If you’ve been in a car accident in Missouri, you may expect the insurance company to fairly compensate you for your injuries and damages. Unfortunately, this is often far from reality.
Insurance companies are not in the business of protecting victims—they’re in the business of maximizing profits. That means their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even if it comes at your expense.
Here’s why insurance companies may try to lowball your claim and how you can fight back to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Profit-Driven Motives Behind Insurance Companies
Insurance companies market themselves as protectors in your time of need, but their true loyalty lies with their shareholders.
They achieve profitability by collecting premiums and minimizing claim payouts. When it comes to car accidents, offering a lowball settlement is often their first line of defense. They know that many victims feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or financially pressured after an accident, making them more likely to accept less than they’re owed.
Common Tactics Used to Devalue Your Claim
Insurance companies use a variety of strategies to chip away at the compensation you’re entitled to. Here are some of their most common tactics:
- Blame Game: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Insurance adjusters often exaggerate your role in the accident to lower your payout.
- Quick Lowball Offers: Shortly after your accident, the insurance company may present a settlement offer that seems tempting. This tactic is designed to pressure you into accepting before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Questioning Medical Necessity: They’ll scrutinize your medical records and claim that some treatments were unnecessary or unrelated to the accident, reducing the amount they’re willing to pay.
- Delaying the Process: By dragging out the claims process, they hope to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement. This is particularly cruel when victims face mounting medical bills or lost wages.
- Downplaying Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life are real damages, but insurance companies often minimize their significance to undervalue your claim.
Why Missouri Drivers Are Vulnerable
Missouri’s roads see their fair share of car accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas like St. Louis and Kansas City. The state’s fault-based system for car accidents means victims must rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover their damages.
This places you squarely in the sights of profit-driven insurance companies. They know that many Missourians may be unfamiliar with their rights or feel pressured to settle quickly, especially if financial hardships arise after the accident.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Lowball Offers
To combat the aggressive tactics of insurance companies, you need to be proactive and well-informed. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Never Accept the First Offer: Initial settlement offers are almost always lower than what your claim is truly worth. Take time to evaluate your damages and consult with a professional.
- Document Everything: From medical bills and repair estimates to photos of the accident scene and witness statements, thorough documentation is your best defense against lowball tactics.
- Understand Missouri’s Laws: Familiarize yourself with the state’s comparative fault rules and the types of damages you can claim, including economic and non-economic losses.
- Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of Missouri’s legal system and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They’ll ensure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
Fight Back for the Compensation You Deserve
Insurance companies rely on victims feeling powerless. Don’t let them dictate the outcome of your claim. By standing your ground and enlisting the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can demand fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
In Missouri, where the stakes are high and the system can be challenging to navigate, having a strong advocate on your side can make all the difference.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Contact our office today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
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