Austin, Texas is home to a large number of active and retired military members and their families.
In 2021, Austin encountered 12,433 traffic accidents, constituting about 2.9% of all traffic accidents statewide in Texas. In fact, Camp Mabry (ICAO: KATT), a significant military hub housing the headquarters of the Texas Military Department, Texas Military Forces, and the Texas Military Forces Museum is located in Austin. Many military members opt for USAA (United Services Automobile Association) for their car insurance needs due to its focus on serving former and current military members alongside their immediate families.
However, despite their respectable claim of protecting and insuring our armed service members
USAA Not Paying Claims: Unveiling the Tactics and Tricks
USAA has an arsenal of tactics in its repertoire that they have been perfecting over the years. The practice of USAA not paying claims isn’t a recent development; insurance companies, including USAA, have refined these strategies since the inception of car insurance, mastering the art of withholding rightful compensation from claimants. It’s important for USAA members to be aware of these tricks and tactics, so they are prepared to stand up for themselves or identify when their attempts to obtain rightful compensation are being thwarted.
1. USAA Adjusters Will Pretend To Be On Your Side
USAA’s tactics often involve a seemingly friendly and accommodating approach by their insurance adjusters, aimed at building trust and making you feel supported during a distressing time. Initially, their prompt and empathetic demeanor may seem reassuring, offering quick solutions and expressing a desire to swiftly handle your claim. They might even propose seemingly generous settlements, such as covering medical expenses and offering an additional sum, like a thousand dollars, as a gesture of goodwill.
However, this seemingly benevolent offer could be a tactical move aimed at prematurely settling the claim for a significantly lower amount. The catch lies in the paperwork they provide, typically a release of liability that, once signed and returned, concludes the case entirely. This release absolves the insurer from any further financial responsibility, regardless of unforeseen expenses or lingering impacts from the incident, leaving claimants shortchanged and potentially facing ongoing financial struggles due to signed-off rights to further compensation.
2. They Want A Recorded Statement To Use Against You
Insurance adjusters, tasked with determining fault and assessing compensation after a car accident, operate with a singular objective: to minimize payouts for the insurance company, even if it means undervaluing or denying a rightful claim. Their allegiance lies firmly with the insurer’s profit, leading them to seek any loophole or reason to reduce the claim’s worth or shift blame away from their covered driver. Even in clear-cut cases where the other driver is at fault, the adjuster’s priority remains with finding a way to pay the victim as little as possible.
One common ploy they use is requesting a recorded statement from the claimant, hoping to extract information that might weaken the claim or be manipulated against the victim’s interests. It’s imperative not to provide a recorded statement without the guidance of a qualified Austin personal injury attorney. Such statements, while seemingly innocent, can become permanent records that insurance companies may use to exploit any inconsistencies or omissions, potentially jeopardizing the claim. Seeking legal counsel from an Austin personal injury attorney first ensures protection from inadvertently harming the case and allows a seasoned attorney to handle negotiations on your behalf while safeguarding your rights throughout the claims process.
3. Minimizing The Extent Of Your Injuries To Lower USAA Claim Compensation
USAA often resorts to leveraging your medical actions against you following an accident to devalue or deny your claim, especially in instances where the accident is a USAA at-fault accident. It’s a double-edged sword: if you seek extensive medical care, they might argue you’re exaggerating the injuries, suggesting that your frequent doctor visits indicate an attempt to amplify the impact of the accident.
Conversely, if you opt for minimal medical attention, they could use that against you, contending that your limited visits imply you weren’t genuinely injured. This catch-22 leaves victims vulnerable, with USAA capable of using either scenario to undermine the legitimacy of your injuries and subsequently diminish your claim. Striking a balance becomes crucial—seek necessary medical care while avoiding excessive treatment to protect your claim’s integrity.
Additionally, when communicating with USAA, refraining from discussing your injuries is vital. While the adjuster may inquire about your injuries, divulging details during these conversations can inadvertently weaken your claim, especially if key details are omitted or new health issues arise later. It’s prudent to navigate these complexities under the guidance of an experienced attorney familiar with USAA’s tactics in at-fault accidents, safeguarding your rights and ensuring fair compensation in any potential USAA lawsuit.
A USAA Lawsuit Will Hold Them Accountable
When faced with the complexities of USAA not honoring your rightful claims, seeking the guidance of an Austin personal injury lawyer can be a crucial step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve. These attorneys specialize in navigating the intricacies of car accident cases involving insurers like USAA, adeptly handling the legal intricacies while advocating for your rights.
Their expertise allows them to assess the true worth of your claim, accounting for various factors like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you pursue the full compensation owed to you. Additionally, these lawyers serve as your advocates in negotiations with USAA, utilizing their knowledge of the insurer’s tactics to secure a fair settlement. In cases where USAA refuses to budge or honor their obligations, these attorneys are prepared to initiate the process of filing a USAA lawsuit, guiding you through each step of the legal proceedings. They relentlessly advocate for your best interests to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
