Understanding How Insurance Companies Handle Injury Claims
Following a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, slip and fall, dog attack, or other injury-causing event, many people expect insurance companies to fairly evaluate their claim and promptly offer compensation. While insurance companies play an important role in the claims process, it is important to remember that they are businesses whose goal is to manage risk and control costs.
Insurance adjusters often begin investigating a claim immediately after an accident. Understanding common insurance company tactics can help accident victims avoid mistakes and better protect their rights.
Attorney Ken Doane spent years representing insurance companies and their policyholders before dedicating his practice to helping injury victims throughout Southern Indiana and Kentucky. He understands how claims are evaluated and the strategies insurers often use during the claims process.
Quick Contact After an Accident
One of the most common tactics is contacting an injured person shortly after an accident.
An adjuster may:
- Call within days or even hours of the collision
- Ask detailed questions about the accident
- Request a recorded statement
- Ask about injuries before medical treatment is complete
- Request broad medical authorizations
The purpose is often to gather information before the full extent of injuries is known.
Requesting Recorded Statements
Insurance companies frequently ask injured individuals to provide recorded statements.
While the adjuster may present the request as routine, statements can later be reviewed and compared to:
- Medical records
- Deposition testimony
- Witness statements
- Accident reports
Even innocent mistakes or incomplete answers may be used to challenge aspects of a claim.
Early Settlement Offers
Some insurance companies attempt to settle claims quickly after an accident.
Early offers may occur before:
- Treatment is complete
- Future medical needs are known
- Lost wage information is available
- Permanent injuries have been diagnosed
Accepting a settlement too early may prevent recovery for future damages that become apparent later.
Searching for Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies often investigate an injured person's medical history.
Adjusters may review records looking for:
- Prior accidents
- Previous injuries
- Degenerative conditions
- Similar complaints involving the same body part
- Prior surgeries
Insurers sometimes argue that current symptoms were caused by a pre-existing condition rather than the accident.
However, an accident can worsen or aggravate an existing condition, and those injuries may still be compensable.
Highlighting Gaps in Medical Treatment
Insurance adjusters carefully review medical records and treatment history.
Common arguments include:
- The injured person waited too long to seek treatment.
- Medical appointments were missed.
- Treatment ended too soon.
- The injuries could not have been serious.
Prompt and consistent treatment often helps strengthen an injury claim.
Monitoring Social Media Activity
Many people do not realize that social media posts may be reviewed during a claim.
Insurance companies may examine:
- Photographs
- Videos
- Comments
- Activity updates
- Public profiles
Posts that appear inconsistent with claimed injuries may be used to challenge the value of a claim.
Shifting Blame to the Injured Person
Even when liability appears clear, insurance companies often investigate whether the injured person may share some responsibility.
Examples include allegations that the injured person:
- Was distracted
- Failed to pay attention
- Was speeding
- Failed to follow safety rules
- Could have avoided the accident
Reducing liability can significantly reduce the value of a claim.
Disputing Medical Treatment
Insurance companies may challenge whether treatment was:
- Necessary
- Reasonable
- Related to the accident
- Excessive in duration
This frequently occurs in cases involving:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Future treatment recommendations
- Surgical recommendations
Delaying the Claims Process
In some cases, delays occur while insurance companies:
- Request additional records
- Conduct investigations
- Review medical treatment
- Evaluate liability
- Seek additional documentation
While some delays are legitimate, prolonged investigations can create frustration for injured individuals facing medical bills and lost income.
Limiting Available Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies may focus attention on policy limits and coverage issues.
Potential issues include:
- Liability coverage limits
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Commercial insurance policies
- Umbrella policies
A thorough investigation may identify additional sources of compensation that are not immediately apparent.
Why Understanding These Tactics Matters
Insurance companies handle thousands of claims every year and have significant resources devoted to evaluating and defending claims.
Understanding how insurers approach injury cases can help accident victims:
- Protect important evidence
- Avoid common mistakes
- Make informed decisions
- Better understand settlement offers
- Maximize available compensation
How a Former Insurance Defense Attorney Can Help
Before representing injury victims, attorney Ken Doane spent years defending insurance companies and their policyholders in Indiana, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.
This experience provides insight into:
- How claims are evaluated
- How reserves are established
- How settlement authority is obtained
- How defense strategies are developed
- How insurance companies assess litigation risk
Today, he uses that knowledge to advocate for individuals and families who have been injured by the negligence of others.
Contact Doane Law Office
If you have been injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, slip and fall, dog attack, wrongful death incident, or other serious accident, understanding insurance company tactics can help you protect your rights.
Attorney Ken Doane has more than 25 years of experience representing injury victims throughout New Albany, Jeffersonville, Floyd County, Clark County, Southern Indiana, Louisville, and surrounding communities.
☎ Call 812-590-2213
Contact Doane Law Office today for a free consultation. There is no attorney fee unless compensation is recovered on your behalf.