Why Understanding Insurance Company Tactics in Georgia Matters
Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from injuries and manage unexpected medical bills. Insurance companies are not focused on your best interests. They often use tactics to minimize what they have to pay, making it harder for you to get fair compensation. Knowing these tactics and your rights under Georgia law is the first step to protecting yourself and your claim.
In this blog, we explain common insurance company tactics in Georgia accident claims, your legal rights, and how working with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney can help you secure fair compensation.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies in Georgia
Insurance companies often use certain tactics to limit their payout after an auto accident. Knowing these tactics can help you protect your claim and your rights.
Delay Tactics
Insurance companies may delay the claims process to reduce the payout. They often ask for repeated documentation or say they need more time to investigate. Georgia law requires them to handle claims promptly under O.C.G.A. § 33-6-34(9). A car accident lawyer can help if you face these delays.
Quick Settlement Offers
Insurers may quickly offer a settlement that does not cover your full medical bills or lost wages. These offers may seem tempting, but they often fail to cover the complete costs of your injury claims and future medical expenses.
Requesting a Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement. They use this tactic to find inconsistencies or make you admit some fault in the accident. It is best to politely decline until you speak with a car accident lawyer.
Disputing Medical Treatment or Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurers often claim that your injuries are not related to the accident or existed before it. This tactic can reduce or deny your claim for fair compensation. Georgia law O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33 covers how fault and medical issues can affect compensation.
Denying Liability or Shifting Blame
Insurance companies may argue that you were partly or fully at fault. They might also misinterpret policy limits or liability insurance. Using the accident report and police report can help you prove what really happened.
Using Policy Limitations or Exclusions
Insurers might rely on policy limits or say the accident was not covered under the auto insurance policy. They may also misuse uninsured motorist coverage rules under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11. Understanding your insurance policy can help you fight these tactics.
Legal Protections for Georgia Accident Victims
Georgia law gives accident victims several protections if insurance companies act unfairly. Understanding these rights can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your personal injury claims.
Georgia Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Under O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6, insurance companies must handle claims fairly and honestly. If an insurer refuses to pay a legitimate claim without a valid reason or delays payments, they can be held responsible for additional damages. This law can give you more power if your insurance company tries to deny or reduce your claim unfairly. A car accident lawyer can help you file a bad faith claim and make sure your rights are protected.
Duty to Pay Promptly and Fairly
Insurance companies have a duty to process claims quickly and treat injured people fairly. They cannot delay payments or avoid investigating a claim. Georgia law requires insurers to handle claims in good faith and avoid unreasonable delays. If your insurer is not acting fairly, a car accident lawyer can make them follow the law and protect your rights during the insurance claims process.
Right to Full Compensation for Damages
Accident victims in Georgia have the right to full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This includes current and future medical treatment costs. Insurance companies often try to offer quick settlement offers that do not cover the full extent of your injuries and property damage. A car accident lawyer can review your claim and help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, vehicle repair, and other losses.
Legal Action When Insurers Deny Legitimate Claims
If an insurance provider denies a legitimate claim, you can take legal action to recover the money you need. This includes filing a lawsuit for the full compensation you deserve. A car accident lawyer can gather important evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to prove your case. They can also handle legal options and fight for your fair compensation in court if the insurer refuses to settle claims fairly.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
A skilled car accident lawyer can protect you from insurance company tactics and unfair practices. Your lawyer can handle communications with the insurance adjuster and insurer, negotiate fair settlement offers, and take legal action if needed. They can also explain your legal options and make sure you understand how Georgia law protects your rights after an accident.
Steps to Take to Protect Your Claim
Taking the right steps after an accident can protect your claim and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your accident, including accident reports, medical records, and photographs of the vehicles involved. Save any emails or phone calls with the insurance adjuster or other involved parties. This information can support your injury claim and prove the full extent of your medical expenses and lost wages.
Politely Decline Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement soon after the accident. It is important to politely decline until you talk to a car accident lawyer. These statements can be used against you in the insurance claims process and may limit your ability to recover fair compensation.
Understand Your Auto Insurance Policy Carefully
Review your auto insurance policy to understand what coverage you have. This includes medical payments coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and liability insurance. Knowing your policy limits can help you get the compensation you deserve and avoid surprises when the insurance company tries to deny parts of your claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Get medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Prompt medical care can show the full extent of your injuries and make it harder for the insurance company to argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident. Keep all medical bills and treatment records to support your claim.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Early
Working with a car accident lawyer early in the claims process can protect your rights and help you avoid common pitfalls. A lawyer can deal with the insurance adjuster, negotiate settlement offers, and take legal action if the insurer denies your legitimate claim. A car accident lawyer can also explain your legal options and fight to make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.
How a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Having a car accident lawyer on your side can make a big difference in how your insurance claim is handled. At Atlanta Accident Lawyers, we know the tactics insurance companies use and we work to protect your rights.
Handling Communications With Insurance Companies
We take over communications with the insurance adjuster so you do not have to worry about saying something that could harm your claim. Our team makes sure the insurer does not use delay tactics, low settlement offers, or requests for recorded statements to weaken your case. We know the insurance claims process in Georgia and work to keep it moving.
Evaluating Your Claim and Compensation
Our car accident lawyers review all the evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and policy details, to make sure we understand the full extent of your damages. We calculate your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage to make sure you get fair compensation. We do not let insurance companies undervalue your claim or offer less than you deserve.
Negotiating and Settling Claims
We use our experience to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement that covers your injuries and other losses. We do not accept lowball offers that fail to address your needs. If the insurer denies your legitimate claim or refuses to cooperate, we are ready to take legal action to protect your interests.
Legal Action and Representation
When the insurance provider refuses to settle claims fairly, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our lawyers gather the evidence you need, present a strong case, and work to hold the insurance company accountable. We understand Georgia insurance law and know how to protect your claim in court.
Providing Guidance and Support
At Atlanta Accident Lawyers, we guide you through each step of the insurance claims process. We answer your questions, explain your legal options, and keep you informed about what is happening with your claim. Our team is dedicated to making sure you understand your rights and get the compensation you need to move forward after your accident.
Consult With an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer ASAP!
If you have been in an accident and find yourself facing insurance company tactics that delay or deny your legitimate claim, our team at Atlanta Accident Lawyers is here to help. We understand how insurance companies operate, and we are ready to fight for your rights and ensure you get the fair compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact us at 864-444-2062 for a free case consultation today!
