A car accident can change everything in an instant. Between medical appointments, missed work, and the stress of repairing your vehicle, the days that follow often feel overwhelming. As a personal injury lawyer based in Fairview, Attorney Alan Natalie meets with people throughout the county who are dealing with these same challenges. Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law has seen how insurance companies often reach out during these vulnerable moments and rely on strategies that protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
Understanding how insurers operate helps you protect yourself and avoid mistakes that can weaken your claim.
Why Insurance Companies Use These Tactics
Insurance companies are businesses, and their focus is on reducing what they pay on claims. They are not responsible for looking out for your best interests after a crash. Once you report the accident, the insurer immediately begins assessing ways to limit what they owe. Knowing the tactics they use gives you a clearer sense of what to expect and how to respond.
Tactic 1: Offering a Quick, Low Settlement
One of the most common tactics is the early settlement call. An adjuster may reach out within days of the accident, well before you know the full extent of your injuries. These offers are made with one goal in mind: closing the claim quickly and for far less than you may ultimately need.
Once you accept, the case is closed, even if new symptoms appear or treatment becomes more complicated. Slowing down and understanding the true value of your losses is one of the most important steps you can take.
Tactic 2: Pressuring You to Give a Recorded Statement
Adjusters often say a recorded statement is required. What they rarely mention is that these recordings can be used to limit or deny your claim. The questions may be leading or framed in a way that makes your injuries sound minor or creates doubt about what happened.
You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Speaking with anyone from the insurer without guidance can put your claim at risk.
Tactic 3: Downplaying or Disputing Your Injuries
Insurers frequently argue that an injury was preexisting, unrelated to the motor vehicle accident, or not as serious as your medical records suggest. This is especially common with injuries that are not always visible on imaging, including:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Headaches or dizziness
- Back and neck pain
In the course of representing injured people throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law has seen how these disputes slow the recovery process and add unnecessary stress.
Tactic 4: Delaying the Claim
Delays can take many forms, including:
- Ignoring calls or emails
- Requesting documents repeatedly
- Extending the investigation for no clear reason
These delays often frustrate people into accepting a lower settlement simply to move forward. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations continues to run. In most cases, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation entirely.
Tactic 5: Suggesting You Do Not Need to Speak to an Attorney
One clear warning sign is when an adjuster suggests you do not need legal help. Often, an insurance company only says this when they believe it will save them money. Speaking with an Erie personal injury lawyer does not mean you are preparing for a fight. It simply ensures you understand your rights before making decisions that affect your health, finances, and future.
How Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law Helps Protect Injury Claims
In the decades that Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law has represented injured people in Erie County and throughout northwestern Pennsylvania, Attorney Natalie has seen how stressful the insurance process can feel. His role is to remove that burden so you can focus on getting better.
He helps clients by:
- Explaining their rights and options clearly
- Handling communication with the insurance company
- Gathering medical records and supporting evidence
- Determining the full value of their claim
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Taking the case to court when necessary
Most importantly, he makes sure clients understand what is happening at every stage so there are no surprises.
Accident Cases Attorney Natalie Frequently Handles in Erie County
Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law’s personal injury practice includes helping people involved in:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare collisions
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims
- Wrongful death cases tied to motor vehicle accidents
If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial consequences alone.
Steps Erie County Drivers Can Take to Protect Their Claim
A few careful steps after a crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case:
- Get medical care right away. Even minor pain can reflect a more serious injury.
- Keep copies of everything. Photos, bills, repair estimates, and notes all help support your claim.
- Avoid social media posts about the accident. Insurance companies monitor online activity closely.
- Speak with an attorney before signing anything. Getting advice early can prevent serious problems later.
If You’re Struggling With the Insurance Process, Attorney Natalie Is Here to Help
If something about the insurance company’s actions doesn’t feel right, you don’t need to navigate the situation alone. These cases can be confusing, especially when you’re dealing with pain, stress, or uncertainty.
Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law is here to help you understand what may be happening and what steps you can take next. You can call the office at 814-622-4511 or contact Attorney Natalie online to schedule a free consultation.
When you’re ready, he will be here to help protect your rights and work toward a fair outcome.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact the law firm directly.