Dealing with the consequences of a car crash can be stressful if you're having challenges getting compensation. Claiming benefits should be straightforward, especially if the insurance company is willing to offer you the payment you need. However, that is rarely the case. Most insurance providers are reluctant to compensate accident victims, especially if they sustained severe damages. Instead, they engage in delaying tactics or illegal acts, which reduce or deny clients their rightful compensation. Therefore, if you've filed an insurance claim, you need to be aware of the following unlawful behaviors the agents might use during negotiations.

Convincing You That You Don't Need Legal Representation  

Insurance agents will want to have the upper hand in the case. Therefore, they will try to convince you that you don't need legal representation. Instead, they will tell you that you can work out the situation together. They might pretend they are concerned about your situation, but that is not necessarily the case. The agents will do their best to pay as little as possible. That is why they will not want you to contact a lawyer so that you don't know your rights. It would help if you did not accept negotiating with the insurance representatives alone because they might outwit you. Rather, hire a car accident attorney to negotiate for you.

Threatening They Will Only Pay for Certain Treatments

You are supposed to receive a payment that will cover all your medical costs until you reach the maximum medical improvement. However, this will be too expensive for the insurance company, and they will do everything to reduce the amount. For example, they might threaten to only pay for certain treatments, arguing that the other medical services are not their responsibility. In such a case, you need your lawyer's help to enable you to get a settlement that will cover all your medical costs. In addition, they will use your medical records to prove that you need long-term care and negotiate for you to get the compensation you need.

Making You Sign a Medical Release Form

The insurance agents might tell you they will not negotiate with you until you sign a medical release form. Doing so is a big mistake and can make you lose your rightful payments. The form might include a clause allowing the insurance company to access your previous medical records. They will want to know your medical history so that they can blame your current condition on your previous injuries. Only your lawyer should access your medical records. They will evaluate your pre-existing conditions to determine how to argue unfavorable facts to ensure you get your rightful payment.  

The only way to fight unlawful behaviors when negotiating with insurance agents is by hiring a lawyer to represent you. They will fight for you to ensure the insurance firm does not unlawfully reduce your payments. Talk to a car accident lawyer for more guidance.