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Insurance companies love to advertise themselves as your trusted partner (or even “neighbor”) in times of need, but anyone who’s filed a claim knows the reality can feel far different.
Unfortunately, many aren’t in the business of paying out what you deserve. Instead, they’re focused on protecting their profits.
It’s no wonder many people hate dealing with insurers. As Bankrate recently shared, many drivers are irritated by “long claim times, iffy customer services, and complex policies.” The last thing you want to do after an accident is listen to that hold muzak.
For many, dealing with an insurance company after an accident feels like trying to win a game where the rules are stacked against you.
This is where a local auto accident lawyer makes all the difference. With expert advice, you can sidestep shady tactics, fight for fair compensation, and avoid the common pitfalls that leave so many accident victims shortchanged.
In this guide, our Wisconsin attorneys will show you the strategies insurers use to protect their bottom line and share actionable auto accident insurance claim tips to help you protect what matters most — your rights and your future.
When filing an auto accident insurance claim, recognize that a claims adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company to minimize payouts, even if that comes at your expense.
Keep in mind that the type of accident doesn’t matter. Your rights are still your rights, whether it was a little fender bender or you got hit by a government vehicle. The insurance company will do its best to use the situation against you, no matter what.
Here are some of the tricks insurance companies often use:
Adjusters may argue that your personal injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or that vehicle repairs shouldn’t cost as much as estimated. This tactic allows them to undervalue your claim, saving the company money at your personal expense.
Many adjusters will push for a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your damages. While this might seem convenient, early settlements often result in far less compensation than you’re entitled to.
Additionally, you must know the time limits associated with filing claims. Failure to file claims within the insurer’s specified deadlines may result in ineligibility for financial assistance for vehicle repairs or medical expenses. Don’t get pushed around.
Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny liability entirely. They may argue that you were partially at fault or question the validity of your evidence.
However, this doesn’t change the reality of what happened. Know your rights and know your story. Be truthful in all your dealings to avoid any liability for insurance fraud.
Stay proactive and follow these practical steps to take control of the process and protect your right to fair compensation. Before you file a claim, you should…
The strength of your car insurance claim depends largely on the quality of your evidence. From the moment the accident happens, start collecting documentation:
Thorough documentation gives you leverage when negotiating with the insurance company. When in doubt, write it down or snap a picture.
Anything you say to the insurance company or insurance adjusters can be used against you to minimize your claim. These professionals are skilled at asking questions that might lead to statements downplaying your injuries or admitting fault.
Being cautious with your words helps prevent unintentional harm to your claim.
Insurance companies often push quick settlements, knowing claimants may be eager to resolve the situation after a car accident. That’s tempting, of course, because money now sounds better than money later.
However, accepting an early offer can leave you with insufficient compensation to cover ongoing medical costs, lost income, or rental car expenses if your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage.
Patience and professional guidance can result in a much more favorable outcome. Don’t put yourself in a tough spot.
Once you’ve filed your auto insurance claim, you’ll typically work with an insurance adjuster who will investigate the claim and determine the settlement amount.
Here are some tips for working with an insurance adjuster:
Be truthful but cautious about what you say. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to minimize the payout. Anything you say can be used against you to reduce your claim.
Document all your conversations with the adjuster, including dates, times, and topics discussed. This record will be useful for any disputes or misunderstandings later in the process.
The first settlement offer is often a lowball offer. Don’t feel pressured to accept it immediately. Take the time to evaluate the offer and consider whether it adequately covers your damages and expenses.
If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Seek clarification on any points that are unclear.
Remember, the insurance adjuster is working for the insurance company, not for you. Be prepared and advocate for yourself to increase your chances of a fair settlement. Better yet, let a professional attorney do that for you.
When evaluating the settlement offer, consider the following factors:
Assess the damage to your vehicle and any other property involved in the accident. The settlement should include enough to cover repair or replacement costs based on the actual damage, not a low estimate from the insurance company. Don’t forget associated expenses — like towing or storage fees — which may also be reimbursable.
Consider the severity of any injuries you sustained. The settlement should cover all medical bills, from initial emergency care to ongoing treatment or therapy. If you anticipate future medical expenses, factor that into compensation as well.
Evaluate any lost wages or other economic losses resulting from the accident. This includes lost wages from time off work or any diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. The settlement should fairly compensate you for these losses.
Insurance companies often cap settlements based on policy limits, which can affect how much compensation you receive. Review your insurance company’s policy limits. Understand the maximum payout allowed and subtract any applicable deductibles. Knowing these details will help you evaluate whether the offer aligns with your policy’s terms.
Insurance companies actively work against your best interest, but this is where the expertise of an auto accident lawyer comes in. An experienced attorney knows how to approach these situations so you receive fair compensation with significantly less stress during the claim process.
If your claim takes too long to resolve and the insurer does not communicate the reason for the delay, an auto accident lawyer can help you file a formal complaint with your state insurance department.
An auto accident attorney understands the true value of your claim and knows how to calculate damages beyond the immediate costs of repairs and medical bills. They’ll factor in long-term expenses like future medical care, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Insurance companies are notorious for offering settlements that undervalue your claim. Adjusters may pressure you to accept a quick payout, knowing it doesn’t fully cover your damages.
A lawyer can step in to review these offers, negotiate aggressively, and push for a fair resolution. They’ll often see holes in situations that you won’t. They’re trained to help you, and they’re on your team.
Dealing with insurance companies often involves endless calls, paperwork, and legal jargon. An auto accident lawyer takes on this burden, handling all communication on your behalf. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your case is presented in the strongest possible way.
Hiring a lawyer is about putting a professional in your corner. You level the playing field against insurers who prioritize profits over people.
When it comes to a Wisconsin auto accident insurance claim, the stakes are too high to leave anything to chance. Insurance companies are armed with strategies to protect their bottom line, and without the right support, it’s easy to find yourself settling for less than you deserve.
From gathering evidence to pushing back against lowball offers, a skilled auto accident attorney will make sure your voice is heard and fully account for your losses.
The process may seem daunting, but the right legal guidance transforms uncertainty into confidence. Handling an accident claim is about compensation as well as protecting your future and reclaiming peace of mind.
At Mahony Law, we’re here to make the process simpler, stronger, and completely focused on your best outcome. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a fair resolution, our Wisconsin auto accident attorneys are here for you. You deserve what you deserve. Contact us today!
Abby is the founder of Mahony Law and devotes her time to representing people who have been seriously hurt due to the negligence of others. Abby has handled injury cases of all types, including birth injury, wrongful death, automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents.
