When you’ve been in an accident or suffered an injury, dealing with insurance companies can feel like a second battle. You expect them to cover your losses fairly, but instead, they often pressure you into settling for far less than you deserve. Insurance companies are businesses first, and their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. That’s where an experienced attorney like Michael DeMayo can make all the difference. Understanding how these companies operate is the first step in protecting yourself from their tactics.
The Quick Settlement Trap
One of the oldest tricks in the book is the quick settlement offer. Right after your accident, an insurance adjuster might reach out with what seems like a generous payout. They’ll act friendly, tell you they want to help, and even make it seem like they’re doing you a favor by handling your claim so efficiently. But there’s a catch. At this stage, you might not even know the full extent of your injuries or how much medical treatment you’ll need in the future. Once you accept their offer, you sign away your right to seek additional compensation, even if you later discover your medical bills are much higher than expected.
Michael DeMayo has seen countless clients fall for this tactic, only to realize too late that they’ve been shortchanged. That’s why it’s crucial to consult a legal expert before agreeing to anything.
Downplaying Your Injuries
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing your injuries. Their adjusters might suggest that your pain isn’t as bad as you claim or argue that your injuries were pre-existing. They may even send you to a doctor of their choosing, who conveniently downplays your condition. If they can convince you—or a court—that your injuries aren’t serious, they can justify offering you a lower settlement.
This is why having proper medical documentation is critical. A trusted legal professional like Michael DeMayo ensures that clients get evaluated by independent medical experts who provide accurate, thorough reports. Without this, you risk accepting a settlement that won’t even cover your basic medical expenses.
Using Your Own Words Against You
When dealing with insurance adjusters, every word you say can be twisted against you. They might ask innocent-sounding questions like, “How are you feeling today?” If you respond with, “I’m okay,” they can use that as evidence that your injuries aren’t severe. Similarly, if they ask you to provide a recorded statement, they can selectively use your words to undermine your claim.
A skilled attorney like Michael A DeMayo Charlotte will advise you on how to communicate with insurance companies. In most cases, it’s best to let your lawyer handle all discussions to avoid giving adjusters any ammunition to reduce your payout.
Shifting Blame to You
Another sneaky tactic is shifting some—or all—of the blame onto you. If they can prove that you were partially responsible for the accident, they can justify paying you much less. In some states, even a small percentage of fault on your part can drastically reduce your settlement.
Insurance companies might scour social media, looking for anything they can use against you. A simple post about how you’re feeling better or a picture of you out with friends can be twisted into proof that you weren’t seriously injured. Michael DeMayo always warns clients to be extremely careful about what they share online while their claim is pending.
Dragging Out the Process
Patience isn’t always a virtue when dealing with insurance claims. Insurance companies know that injured victims often face mounting medical bills and lost wages. They take advantage of this by delaying the settlement process, hoping that financial pressure will force you to accept a lower offer just to stay afloat.
A lawyer with experience, like Michael DeMayo, knows how to counter these tactics. By pushing the claim forward aggressively and preparing for trial if necessary, he ensures that clients aren’t bullied into accepting unfair settlements just because they need quick cash.
Offering a Settlement Without Explaining Your Rights
Many people don’t realize that they’re entitled to more compensation than what the insurance company initially offers. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even long-term care if needed. Insurers won’t voluntarily tell you this. They’ll present their offer as if it’s the best you can get, hoping you don’t question it.
Having a knowledgeable attorney like Michael DeMayo by your side ensures that you fully understand your rights. He reviews every detail of the case, calculates the true value of your damages, and fights to get you the settlement you actually deserve.
How to Fight Back
The best way to avoid being tricked into a low settlement is to be informed and proactive. Never accept the first offer, no matter how tempting it seems. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages. Avoid discussing your case on social media and never give recorded statements without legal guidance.
Most importantly, work with an attorney who has experience handling personal injury claims. Michael DeMayo has spent years fighting insurance companies on behalf of injured clients, ensuring they receive fair compensation. He understands the tactics these companies use and knows exactly how to counter them.
Insurance companies might seem powerful, but they’re not invincible. With the right legal representation, you can stand up to them and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t fall for their tricks—seek legal advice and protect your future.