Common Tactics Insurers Use To Dispute Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents in Atlanta can cause potentially life-threatening injuries. You can hold the driver accountable through their insurer, but it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to question your account of what happened or outright blame you for causing the crash.
It’s important to know up front that insurers have a financial motive to deny and downplay claims. Our Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer has decades of collective experience protecting clients against these companies. Find out five common tactics they employ and how to protect your rights to compensation.
How Insurers Dispute Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claims
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that the insurance industry makes billions in profits each year. When dealing with insurance adjusters, keep in mind that they are not on your side. Their job is to pay out as little as possible on every claim.
In Atlanta pedestrian accident cases, common tactics they employ to deny or reduce payment include:
- Arguing the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk or crossed against a signal.
- Using recorded statements taken in the hours after a crash to find inconsistencies that undermine the victim’s account.
- Requesting years of prior medical records to find pre-existing conditions they can use to dispute injury severity.
- Claiming the pedestrian was distracted by a phone or other device at the time of the crash.
- Offering a quick, lowball settlement before the victim fully comprehends the full extent of their injuries or their legal rights to compensation.
Each of these tactics has one goal: to pay you less than you deserve. Going in prepared is your best defense.
How To Protect Your Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Claim Against Insurer Tactics
Under Section 51-12-33 of the Georgia Code, insurers can reduce or even deny compensation if they can prove your own actions or inactions were partially to blame for an Atlanta pedestrian accident. To protect your rights in an injury claim, follow these tips:
- Inform the authorities immediately, make sure they complete an accident report, and request a copy.
- Document everything while it’s fresh, such as jotting down the details surrounding the crash, taking photos at the accident scene, and getting witness contact information.
- Get medical care right away, avoid downplaying your injuries, and follow all doctor instructions.
- Refuse to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without getting legal help first.
- Avoid posting about what happened or your injuries on social media, which is one of the first places insurers look for evidence to use against you.
Insurers are skilled at reducing and denying compensation. Getting professional legal help levels the playing field.
Request a Consultation With Our Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian accidents in Atlanta can be devastating and often take years to recover from. You have one chance to get compensation. To protect your legal rights, contact Shiver Hamilton Campbell.
Our experienced Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer understands how insurers work and how to fight back. We represent clients in Savannah, St. Simons Island, Jonesboro, Roswell, and throughout DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties. Request a consultation today.
Source:
iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-industry-overview
