You were injured. You filed a claim. And now the insurance company is being… surprisingly friendly.
Don’t be fooled.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on every claim — including yours. The tactics they use are calculated, well-practiced, and designed to catch injured people off guard. Knowing what to watch for can protect your claim and your recovery.
1. They Contact You Quickly — Before You Know the Full Picture
One of the oldest tricks in the book: reach out fast, while you’re still shaken, still in pain, and still unclear on how serious your injuries are.
They’ll sound helpful. Sympathetic, even. But that early call often comes with a lowball settlement offer attached — one designed to close your case before you’ve seen a doctor, hired an attorney, or understood what your injuries will actually cost you.
Once you accept a settlement, it’s over. You cannot go back for more — even if your injuries turn out to be far worse than expected.
What to do: Don’t accept any offer — or sign anything — before consulting with a personal injury attorney.
2. They Ask for a Recorded Statement
“We just need to get your account of what happened.” Sounds routine. It isn’t.
A recorded statement is an opportunity for the insurance adjuster to get you to say something that minimizes your injuries or shifts blame onto you. Phrases like “I’m doing okay” or “I didn’t see it coming” can be used against you later.
What to do: You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Politely decline and speak with an attorney first.
3. They Dispute the Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters will scrutinize your medical records looking for any reason to argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. Common arguments include:
- Your injuries were pre-existing
- You waited too long to seek treatment
- Your treatment was excessive or unnecessary
- The accident couldn’t have caused injuries that severe
Even legitimate injuries get challenged this way. The burden falls on you to prove what you suffered — which is why consistent medical documentation from day one is critical.
What to do: See a doctor immediately after your accident, follow your treatment plan, and keep detailed records of every appointment, prescription, and symptom.
4. They Use Your Social Media Against You
Posted a photo at a family barbecue last weekend? Tagged yourself at a concert? Insurance companies and their investigators routinely monitor social media profiles of claimants.
One photo of you smiling or standing can be framed as evidence that you’re not really injured — regardless of context.
What to do: Avoid posting anything about your accident, your injuries, or your activities on social media while your claim is open. When in doubt, go private or go quiet.
5. They Drag Out the Process
Delay is a strategy. The longer a claim drags on, the more financial pressure builds on the injured person — medical bills pile up, lost wages accumulate, and the temptation to just take whatever is offered grows stronger.
Insurance companies know this. They use it.
What to do: Work with an attorney who will keep the pressure on and push your claim forward. Colorado and Nevada both have statutes of limitations on personal injury claims — waiting too long can cost you your right to recover anything at all.
6. They Lowball the Pain and Suffering Component
Economic damages — medical bills, lost wages — are harder to dispute because they come with receipts. Pain and suffering is where insurers have the most room to maneuver.
They’ll assign the lowest possible multiplier, dispute the duration of your suffering, or argue that your emotional distress isn’t documented well enough to support a higher award.
What to do: Work with an attorney who knows how to document and present non-economic damages effectively. This is where experienced legal representation makes the biggest difference in your final settlement.
7. They Make You Feel Like an Attorney Isn’t Necessary
“You don’t need a lawyer for this — it’s straightforward.” That’s something an insurance adjuster might say. And it should raise a red flag immediately.
The truth is, claimants who are represented by an attorney consistently recover more than those who go it alone — even after legal fees.
What to do: At minimum, consult with a personal injury attorney before making any decisions. Most personal injury attorneys, including Kim Welch Law, offer free consultations with no obligation.
Don’t Let Them Win
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters, lawyers, and investigators working to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone in your corner doing the same for you.
At Kim Welch Law, we know every tactic in the playbook — and we know how to counter them. If you’ve been injured and you’re dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone.
Call Kim Welch Law for a Free Consultation
Colorado Springs & Henderson, NV: (888) 590-5510 Website: www.kimwelchlaw.com
Kim Welch is a personal injury attorney serving clients in Colorado Springs, CO and Henderson, NV. This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact our office for guidance specific to your situation.