5 Red Flags the Insurance Company Isn’t Treating You Fairly

The whole point of obtaining insurance is to have protection and security in the wake of unexpected damages or financial losses. That’s why many people assume that, following an accident, insurers will step in, honor their policies, and help victims recover fair compensation.

Sadly, that’s rarely how the process actually plays out. Remember that insurance companies are businesses, and at the end of the day, their priority is safeguarding profit. So, adjusters may try to delay claims, minimize payouts, and even rush victims into making decisions that aren’t actually in their best interest.

At Langella & Langella, we’ve seen countless accident victims go through unnecessary stress after an already-traumatic experience because they weren’t familiar with the red flags of unfair treatment. Recognizing these warning signs as soon as possible is critical for protecting your physical recovery, financial health, and overall peace of mind.

1. They Delay the Process Without Good Reason

One of the most common indicators of unjust treatment is delay with no clear explanation. You might notice adjusters taking a long time to return your phone calls or requesting paperwork you’ve already submitted. On top of that, they may provide vague answers regarding the review of your claim, with no concrete timeline for resolution.

Make no mistake: these delays aren’t coincidental, they’re strategic. Insurance companies know that, the longer a claim drags on, the more frustrated and financially impacted a victim may become. This, in turn, makes the victim more willing to accept a low settlement offer.

2. They Make a Quick, Lowball Settlement Offer

On the flip side, certain insurers may act in a completely different manner and rush a settlement offer within days of your accident. Some victims might think this is a good sign, but early offers are typically the opposite.

Why? Well, quick settlements are purposefully offered before the full extent of your injuries is known. That way, insurers won’t have to factor in long-term damages, such as ongoing treatment, physical therapy, lost wages, reduced earning potential, or pain and suffering.

It’s important for victims to realize that fast, initial offers may only end up covering a fraction of your true expenses. And, again, insurers rely on this tactic to close claims cheaply. 

3. They Downplay or Challenge Injuries

Another blatant red flag is when an insurance company tries to challenge your pain or doubts your medical treatment needs. They might say your injuries don’t match the accident you suffered, implying they’re the result of a pre-existing condition or unrelated incident. Other times, they may argue you waited too long to seek medical care or it was a low-impact collision that could not have caused your injuries.

Sometimes, adjusters even attempt to insist that your treatment is unnecessary or excessive, even if you’re following recommendations from your doctors.

These techniques are all made in an effort to weaken your claim and make it seem like the impact of your accident was actually minor. Be on the lookout for insurers that start nitpicking your medical treatment: it’s a clear sign they’re more concerned with reducing payouts.

4. They Request or Pressure Victims into Making Recorded Statements

It’s understandable that many victims just want to get their claim closed and move on following an accident. Insurers know that, which is why they might say a recorded statement is required or that your claim cannot proceed without one.

Recorded statements are risky, though, because adjusters could ask leading questions that don’t tell the whole story. Or, they may twist your words and use your own statement against you later in the process.

In reality, victims are generally not obligated to provide recorded statements to another individual’s insurance company. And if you become the target of this pressure tactic, realize that the adjuster is likely trying to get information they can use to downplay your injuries, dispute fault, or deny your claim altogether.

5. They Deny Claims Without Valid Explanation

Finally, one of the most frustrating warning signs is a claim denial that seems vague or just illogical. Insurers may try to justify this through a variety of conclusions, such as saying there isn’t enough evidence or your treatment isn’t covered under the policy.

It’s true that, sometimes, denials are the result of real issues. Despite that, many are still rooted in strategy and prey on victims who don’t fully know their rights. Insurance companies count on victims not fighting back, especially those who are not represented by a personal injury attorney.

If You Spot These Signs, Seek Legal Help Immediately 

When you get a lot of pushback and resistance from an insurance company, the writing is on the wall: it’s time to seek legal help.

A personal injury attorney will take over all communication with the insurer, which ensures your medical treatment and injuries are properly documented and prevents you from making statements that could potentially harm your case later. Moreover, they’ll help you understand the true worth of your claim, accurately value settlement offers, and pursue litigation if necessary.

Langella & Langella has decades of experience advocating for victims and holding insurance companies accountable. We’re all too familiar with the strategies used to delay, minimize, or flat-out deny claims, and we refuse to stop fighting for you.

Contact us today for a Free Consultation at (631) 348-9500, because you shouldn’t have to negotiate with an insurance company without support.