After a car accident in Houston, you might expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to step up and cover your damages. Unfortunately, many injured Texans are surprised that the insurance adjuster is not on their side. Insurance companies are businesses first, prioritizing profits, not people. One way they do that is by undervaluing legitimate car accident claims.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys have seen how insurers use calculated tactics to minimize payouts to Texas residents. Knowing these tactics can help you avoid being taken advantage of if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Quick Settlement Offers Before You Know the Extent of Your Injuries
After a car accident, you may receive a settlement offer within days. It may seem like a good deal, especially if you’re out of work or facing medical bills. But in many cases, that early offer is far below what your claim is worth.
Insurance companies know that injury symptoms can take time to develop fully, and long-term impacts may not immediately be apparent. By pushing for a fast settlement, they hope to close your case before you realize the full extent of your damages.
Downplaying or Disputing Medical Treatment
Another common tactic is to question the necessity or cost of your medical care.
Insurers may argue that:
- You overtreated your injuries.
- The treatments were not related to the accident.
- You had pre-existing conditions.
- You didn’t seek care quickly enough.
Their goal is to reduce the amount they must pay—or avoid paying entirely. Getting prompt medical attention and following all treatment recommendations are essential.
Using Your Own Words Against You
Insurance adjusters often seem friendly on the phone, but they’re trained to get you to say things that can be used to hurt your claim. Even saying “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see them coming” can be twisted to suggest fault or downplay your injuries.
Never give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. A simple conversation can impact the outcome of your case.
Blaming You for the Crash
Texas follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Insurance companies often try to shift some or all of the blame to you, even when it’s unjustified. The more blame they can pin on you, the less they have to pay.
Legal representation can protect you from unfair blame and ensure liability is appropriately investigated.
Dragging Out the Process
Delays are another tactic. Insurers may stall negotiations, request unnecessary documentation, or fail to return calls—hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept a low offer out of desperation.
Fight Back with Hollingsworth Law Firm
You don’t have to accept less than you deserve. Our Houston car accident attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm know how insurance companies operate, and we fight aggressively to recover full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, our bilingual lawyers and support staff are here to protect your rights and hold insurers accountable. Call 713-637-4560 or contact us online to get started.
