Dealing with Uncooperative Insurance Adjusters After a Texas Crash

 Posted on November 03, 2023 in Car Accidents

After an accident, it is not uncommon for insurers to use uncooperative tactics through adjusters to minimize claim payouts. However, understanding these questionable practices and your rights helps when seeking fair compensation. A Texas lawyer can help make sure you are not taken advantage of by insurance adjusters.

Spotting Adjuster Stall and Delay Tactics

Beware of adjusters utilizing stall tactics that should raise red flags, including:

• Failing to properly handle or assign your claim for many weeks or months
• Repeatedly missing scheduled phone calls and appointment times
• Claiming to have lost or never received documents and records you already provided
• Requesting duplicate documents and information already supplied multiple times
• Failing to return calls and emails for extended periods of time

These tactics drain your energy and time but have no legal merit. Carefully document every interaction in writing to substantiate bad faith delays and negligence.

Handling Unreasonably Low Settlement Offers

Receiving lowball offers well below losses in hopes people will take the bait of a quick payout is a common strategy insurance adjusters use. However, you have recourse when faced with unreasonably insufficient offers:

• Escalate to a supervisor, citing unfair treatment, and unsatisfactory settlement attempts
• Provide all documentation justifying a proportionately fair and adequate settlement amount
• Retain an experienced personal injury attorney to negotiate suitable compensation
• Don’t let artificial deadlines pressure you; your full medical recovery dictates the timeline

Stand firm on waiting until you accurately value and substantiate your total claim.

Understanding Your Protections Under Texas Law

It is essential that you know Texas law prohibits insurers from acting in bad faith ways when handling claims. Violations like unreasonable delays, refusal to pay covered damages, failure to properly investigate, or attempting to settle for less than the claimant’s losses carry hefty penalties.

If an insurer unfairly ignores paying justified costs, an attorney can file official complaints with Texas Department of Insurance regulators to hold them accountable and bring escalated public scrutiny. Individual or class action lawsuits are also options when adjusters egregiously breach their duty to claimants.

Contact a Dallas, TX Personal Injury Lawyer

You do not have to put up with the insurance adjuster’s misconduct alone. You deserve to know you have rights. An Irving, TX personal injury attorney can help you with unethical payouts or helping you deal with insurance companies who are not treating you properly. Call Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 for a free consultation so you can finally seek the justice you deserve.