Insurance companies and the adjustors they employ typically have many tactics they use to try to avoid paying your claim. For example, in addition to asking for a recorded statement and twisting the words of claimants, they might also attempt to get you to settle quickly for much less than your claim is worth. They usually contact you as soon as possible after you file a claim. In doing so, they hope to present you with a lowball offer before you have the chance to meet with a lawyer and find out what your claim is worth. If they can get you to accept and sign for their small offer now, they will use little time and resources on your claim and save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Always talk to a lawyer about your accident before entertaining offers from the insurance company or signing any agreements. Insurance adjusters also like to tell claimants that they don’t need a lawyer and that their insurance carrier will take good care of them. But, of course, you should always consult with an attorney no matter what they say or what kind of case you have. Don’t take the insurance adjustor’s word for it, as they and their company are the ones that benefit from you not getting a lawyer. Another common tactic is simply to delay or stall your claim. They may do this by not returning your calls or emails or by continually asking for information you have already given them or information they don’t need or have a right to see. They hope they will wear you down or burden you with requests for paperwork and information, and you will give up on pursuing your claim. With a seasoned car accident attorney on your side, most car insurance companies and claims adjusters know better than to attempt these tactics. An experienced attorney can see right through them and will call them out on it. Depending on their actions, you may even have grounds for a bad faith insurance claim. All insurance companies have a legal and ethical obligation to act in good faith and fair dealing. They may act in bad faith when they use these tactics and others. Suppose your attorney believes you have grounds for a bad faith claim against the insurance company. In that case, you can receive compensation for your damages in the car accident claim and bad faith damages. Insurance companies can and should be held accountable for their bad faith actions.