You’re in pain. Maybe it’s from a rear-end crash, a fall on unsafe property, or an incident at work. You’re worried about missing work, paying medical bills, or even getting your car fixed. Just when you think help is on the way, the insurance company calls. They’re friendly, efficient, and promise to handle everything if you’ll just sign a few forms and accept a quick check.
But, what you don’t know, can hurt you. Insurance companies are trained to protect their bottom line, not your best interests. At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC in Austin, we’ve seen how fast insurers try to settle before you fully understand your rights or the long-term impact of your injuries. This article breaks down everything that insurance companies hope you never learn.
You can (and should) say no to giving a statement
The other party’s insurance adjuster may tell you that you need to give a recorded statement or sign documents immediately. What they don’t tell you? You don’t have to. In fact, you have the legal right to decline a recorded statement, especially before speaking with an attorney. Anything you say can be twisted or used out of context to minimize your claim later.
At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we advise our clients never to speak with the other party’s insurance company alone. You’re not obligated to help them build a case against your own interests. Saying “no” now may protect your claim later.
The (true) value of your claim
You might think your case is worth whatever it takes to pay your ER bill and fix your car after an auto accident. But your damages could go far beyond that. In Texas, you may be entitled to recover non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, none of which are covered in a quick settlement.
Insurance companies want to resolve your case before you fully understand its long-term impact. If your injuries worsen, if you need surgery later, or if you can’t return to work, that lowball offer won’t come close to meeting your future needs. At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we help clients assess their full range of losses, not just what’s easily counted on a receipt.
Insurance adjusters aren’t on your side
The insurance adjuster may sound sympathetic. They may even assure you that “we’ll take care of everything.” But remember, their job is to save the insurance company money. The friendlier they are, the more likely you are to trust them and settle quickly.
At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we’ve handled countless cases where an insurer tried to seem helpful, only to deny or devalue the claim later. We fight to hold them accountable and make sure you’re not taken advantage of while you’re most vulnerable.
You can (and should) document everything
Photos, medical records, journal entries, and witness statements strengthen your personal injury case. The more evidence you gather, the harder it becomes for insurers to deny what you’re experiencing. Insurance companies won’t remind you to document your pain levels, mental health, or missed life milestones. But, you absolutely should.
We recommend keeping a daily injury journal. Note how your injury affects your sleep, work, relationships, and overall quality of life. This can make a big difference in proving non-economic damages, which the insurance company would rather ignore entirely.
Time is not on your side
Time is on the insurer’s side, not yours. The longer you wait to file a claim or get legal advice, the more likely crucial evidence disappears. In Texas, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations but waiting even a few weeks can weaken your case if records aren’t preserved or memories fade.
Insurance companies may even string you along with repeated delays, hoping the deadline passes. We move quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prevent insurers from running out the clock on your claim.
You can afford an attorney
One of the biggest myths is that hiring an attorney is expensive or only worth it for major lawsuits. At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC, we work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. No hourly fees. No upfront costs.
Insurance companies know that once you hire a lawyer, you’re far more likely to receive full and fair compensation. That’s why they hope you never reach out to someone like us. They may even try to convince you not to contact an attorney. Don’t listen to them. Contact us immediately.
Protect yourself before it’s too late
When you’re injured, you deserve time to heal. The best way to protect yourself is to know your rights before you sign anything, speak to anyone, or accept any payment.
At the Law Office of David J. Lopez PLLC in Austin, we stand up to insurers and make sure you’re treated fairly. We listen to your story, investigate every detail, and build a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries, both physical and emotional. Don’t let the insurance company rush you, silence you, or shortchange you. Contact us today for a free consultation.