6 Reasons Insurance Companies Will Investigate Your Claim

Picture this: You're walking down a sunny sidewalk, minding your own business, when suddenly, an unforeseen accident strikes, leaving you injured and in pain. It's not your fault, and you shouldn't have to bear the burden of medical bills and lost wages caused by someone else's negligence. If you're nodding your head, knowing exactly what we're talking about, then listen closely, because this article is for you.

When life throws you a curveball in the form of an injury due to another person's carelessness, seeking compensation from the at-fault party's insurance company might seem like the obvious next step. You've seen those commercials promising justice and compensation, but you might wonder, "What's the catch?" Well, here's the thing – the amount of compensation you may receive is like diving into a treasure chest with varying prizes. It could be as little as a patch-up for minor injuries, like stitches from a clumsy fall, or a substantial fortune to cover extensive damages, such as multiple fractures after a serious accident.

But here's the kicker: Making that claim isn't a walk in the park. The insurance company representing the negligent party won't be sending you a bouquet of flowers or a fruit basket to apologize for the inconvenience. Oh no! Brace yourself, because they're coming at you with an investigation. That's right, they'll be digging into your life, your injuries, and your every move like Sherlock Holmes on a high-stakes case.

Why do they do this, you ask? Simple, it's a game of odds. They know that if they dig deep enough, there's a chance they can find something to downplay your claim or, worse, deny it altogether. Statistics don't lie – every year, a staggering number of injury claims meet their unfortunate demise in the face of these insurance company investigations.

But fear not, intrepid reader, because we've got your back! Welcome to Mendez & Sanchez Law, where we don't back down from a challenge. Our team of legal heroes, based right here in the heart of Los Angeles, California, has seen it all and fought it all. We live for the thrill of taking on the insurance giants and securing rightful compensation for our clients.

In this gripping article, we're going to unravel the mystery of injury claims and the tactics used by insurance companies to tip the scales in their favor. Armed with knowledge and determination, you'll be better prepared to face their scrutiny and emerge victorious. And when the going gets tough, remember, we're just a phone call away, ready to join forces and champion your cause. So, let's embark on this adventure together, securing the justice you deserve every step of the way. Are you in? Let's go!

Social Media

In today's digital age, the vast realm of the Internet holds a treasure trove of private information, and insurance companies aren't shy about using it to get an inside look at the person behind the claim. Your social media activity, whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or even reviews on platforms like Yelp, can all become crucial puzzle pieces in their investigation.

Here's where it gets interesting, and potentially nerve-wracking – those posts and updates you thought were just harmless fun? The insurance company might see them in a different light. Any content that portrays you in a negative or unfavorable way, like posts containing foul language or questionable behavior, will come under the insurance company's keen scrutiny.

But don't panic just yet, because there's a silver lining in this digital storm. Remember that looking bad online can actually work in your favor in certain situations. How, you ask? Well, if your posts happen to be about the at-fault party, like venting about a car too big for a tiny parking lot that ended up causing your injury, it could potentially make the insurance company more receptive to your claim. The logic behind this is surprisingly straightforward – in such cases, you were merely expressing frustration and not trying to profit from the situation.

So, be cautious about what you post on social media during the claims process. Consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit access to your personal information. It's essential to think twice before hitting that "post" button, as even innocent-seeming content could be twisted out of context.

Now, let's talk about social media as a double-edged sword. On one side, it can provide valuable evidence to support your claim, such as posts about the accident and its consequences. These can help paint a vivid picture of your situation and the impact it had on your life. On the other side, careless or unfavorable content can cast doubts on your credibility and potentially harm your claim's chances.

Reason 2. They Want To Know How the Accident Happened

An insurance company's quest for information doesn't stop at merely knowing more about you; they are also determined to unravel the mystery behind the accident itself. Through covert investigations and thorough searches of public records and social media, they seek valuable insights into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate event.

Uncovering crucial details about the accident can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, if their investigation reveals that the at-fault party was driving recklessly or engaged in unsafe practices, it could significantly bolster your case. On the other hand, if their investigation uncovers factors suggesting that you may have contributed to the accident, even in small ways, it could jeopardize your claim.

Reason 3. They Want To Gauge the Amount of Damage

Once they've got the basics of how the accident occurred, the next thing the insurance company wants to understand is the extent of the damages involved. This includes your physical injuries, emotional toll, property damage, and any long-term effects on your daily life. By analyzing these factors, they aim to gauge the financial impact of your claim.

In many cases, insurance companies will work with medical professionals and accident reconstructionists to get a clearer picture of how serious your injuries are. They'll also assess whether your pain and suffering can be objectively verified and quantified. This phase often involves detailed medical records, expert testimonies, and, in some cases, surveillance to monitor your movements post-accident.

Reason 4: Family, Friends, and Coworkers May Be Investigated, Too

Did you know that your family, friends, and even coworkers may be drawn into the investigation? Insurance companies might reach out to those closest to you in an attempt to gather information or even undermine your case. Their goal is to find any inconsistencies in your story or behavior, especially when it comes to the severity of your injuries.

They may ask your loved ones questions about your health before and after the accident, your day-to-day activities, and whether they believe you're being honest about the level of pain or disability you're experiencing. In some instances, surveillance might even be conducted to track your activities and compare them to your reported injuries.

Reason 5: They Want to Know If You're Telling the Truth

The insurance company isn't just interested in how the accident happened and how much you're claiming – they also want to assess whether your story checks out. Any discrepancies, exaggerations, or inconsistencies in your narrative can be used to reduce or deny your claim. They might even attempt to use your own words against you, so it's crucial to be consistent and truthful in every detail.

Additionally, they'll likely analyze your medical history to determine if your injuries are consistent with past conditions or if they're being overblown. If your injuries seem inconsistent with the severity of the accident, they might claim that you're either lying or exaggerating, further complicating your claim.

Reason 6: They Will Want to Know How Long It Will Take for You to Recover

Another crucial question the insurance company will seek to answer is: "How long will it take for the victim to recover?" This question helps them assess how long your claim will be ongoing and what long-term costs might be involved. Insurance companies will often get a prognosis from your doctors, analyze medical records, and even have their own medical experts weigh in on the potential duration of your recovery.

The longer your recovery, the more expensive your claim becomes for them, which is why they try to get a clear understanding of your recovery timeline. They may even hire their own experts to dispute your doctor's prognosis and minimize their payout.

Conclusion

In the world of insurance claims, knowing the game is half the battle. While insurance companies may try to dig into your personal life and challenge the legitimacy of your claim, staying informed, cautious, and consistent will give you the upper hand. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain about the claims process, remember that you don't have to face the insurance company alone – contact us for professional legal assistance.