How Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims
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How Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying fair settlements. Their business model depends on minimizing payouts, delaying claims, and pushing injured people into accepting less than they deserve.
If you were hurt in a Dallas car wreck, understanding how and why insurance companies undervalue claims is the first step toward protecting your rights.
At MLF Legal, our Dallas car wreck lawyers see these tactics every day—and we know how to fight them.
Why Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims
Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce claim costs. They use scripts, software, and internal guidelines designed to limit what they pay. Here are the most common strategies.
1. They Question the Severity of Your Injuries
Even when your injuries are obvious, insurance companies often claim:
- You weren’t hurt as badly as you say
- Your pain is “subjective”
- You had pre‑existing conditions
- You didn’t need certain treatments
- You recovered faster than your doctor says
They may even argue that your injuries came from something other than the crash.
Why they do it:
If they can minimize your injuries, they can minimize your settlement.
2. They Use Delay Tactics to Wear You Down
Insurance companies know that injured people are stressed, out of work, and facing medical bills. Delays create pressure.
Common delay tactics include:
- Not returning calls
- Repeatedly requesting documents
- “Losing” paperwork
- Slow‑walking approvals
- Dragging out negotiations
Their goal:
Make you desperate enough to accept a low offer.
3. They Rely on Computer Software to Reduce Your Claim
Most major insurers use software like Colossus or similar programs to calculate settlement values. These systems:
- Assign points to injuries
- Reduce value for “gaps in treatment”
- Penalize conservative care
- Limit payouts for pain and suffering
These programs are designed to standardize low offers, not evaluate your unique situation.
4. They Blame You for the Crash
Texas uses comparative negligence, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault.
Insurance companies often try to claim:
- You were speeding
- You weren’t paying attention
- You stopped suddenly
- You could have avoided the crash
Even if the other driver was clearly negligent, they may still try to shift blame.
5. They Undervalue Future Medical Needs
Insurance companies love to pretend that:
- You’re already healed
- You won’t need future treatment
- Your pain will go away
- You won’t need surgery later
But many injuries—especially back, neck, and joint injuries—require long‑term care.
6. They Minimize Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
Adjusters often:
- Dispute your time off work
- Claim you could have returned sooner
- Ignore reduced hours or light‑duty restrictions
- Refuse to consider long‑term disability
If your injury affects your career, the financial impact can be massive. Insurance companies rarely account for that unless forced.
7. They Push Quick, Lowball Settlement Offers
This is one of the most common tactics.
You may get a call within days of the crash offering a small settlement “to help you out.”
They want you to accept before:
- You know the full extent of your injuries
- You see a specialist
- You get imaging
- You hire a lawyer
Once you accept, you can’t go back—even if you later need surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions — How Insurance Companies Undervalue Car Accident Claims
Because their goal is to minimize payouts. They use software, delay tactics, and fault arguments to reduce your claim.
No. Early offers are almost always far below the true value of your case.
Yes. Studies consistently show that represented clients receive higher payouts.
That’s a red flag. They say this because lawyers hold them accountable.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
8. They Use Your Medical Records Against You
Insurance companies comb through your records looking for:
- Old injuries
- Gaps in treatment
- Missed appointments
- Notes about “mild pain”
- Anything they can twist
They may even request broad medical authorizations to dig into your entire medical history.
9. They Pretend You Don’t Need a Lawyer
Adjusters often say things like:
- “Hiring a lawyer will just reduce your settlement.”
- “We can work this out directly.”
- “You don’t need an attorney for a simple claim.”
They say this because they know that represented clients receive significantly higher settlements.
How a Dallas Car Wreck Lawyer Protects You From These Tactics
At MLF Legal, we know every trick in the book—and we counter them with evidence, strategy, and pressure.
We protect your medical records
No fishing expeditions. Only relevant records are released.
We document the full value of your injuries
Including future medical care, impairment, and long‑term impact.
We stop all insurance harassment
Once you hire us, the adjuster must communicate with us—not you.
We negotiate aggressively
Our experienced injury attorneys know what your case is worth, and we don’t let insurers lowball you.
We prepare every case for trial
Insurance companies pay more when they know your lawyer is ready to fight.
What You Should Do If You Think Your Claim Is Being Undervalued
If you’re getting the runaround, it’s not your imagination.
Insurance companies are doing exactly what they’re trained to do.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Get medical treatment immediately
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Don’t give a recorded statement
- Don’t sign medical authorizations
- Don’t accept the first offer
- Call MLF Legal at 214‑357‑1782
We’ll review your case for free and tell you exactly what your best strategy will be to get what your claim is worth.
Call MLF Legal today
214-357-1782
Fill out our online form
for a free consultation.
We only get paid if we win your case.