No one likes being blamed. However, when dealing with insurance companies, you may be at risk of letting their “blame-the-victim” mentality get to you. That said, understanding how insurance companies operate and how they use their “blame-the-victim” strategies can help you navigate the system and protect yourself from unreasonable claims. In Philadelphia, laws related to this concept are quite strict, and they have a policy that ensures that victims are not blamed when they are in an accident and that insurance companies must comply while paying out the cost. If you have been injured in an accident in Philadelphia, you may be wondering what you should do. Hiring Philadelphia personal injury lawyers is the only action you should take since they can help you deal with and respond to the Philadelphia insurance bad faith guidelines and help you to get the compensation you deserve. 

What is an Insurance Company’s “Blame the Victim” Strategy?

When an accident or loss occurs, the first person to blame will be the person injured or whose property was damaged. You are the most likely person to blame because you were the one who was directly affected. Insurance companies know this and will try to shift the blame away from themselves and onto you. One way they do this is by using the “blame the victim“ strategy.

Insurance Companies Main Strategies to Blame Their Victims

  • They try to confuse you by making you feel guilty.
  • They blame your loss on a “known fact” that was actually “unfortunate” for you.
  • They blame you for the outcome of an event that was mainly out of your control.
  • They confuse you by blaming the law, a “known fact,” or even your family.
  • They try to point out that you are the only one who got hurt.
  • They downplay your losses and make you feel like you’re exaggerating your losses.

Know Which Claims are Most Likely to Be Challenged by Your Insurance Provider

If you’re involved in an accident, your insurance company will likely request documentation related to the accident. In particular, they’ll want to see documentation related to who was at fault in the accident, how it occurred, and what your medical expenses are.

Keep Evidence of Communication with Your Insurer

It’s essential to keep all correspondence with your insurance provider in a safe place. If you’re asked to produce certain documents, you can use them to support your claim should the need arise. Evidence of communication can include copies of all text messages, emails, voicemails, and letters. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your phone bill, so you can quickly provide this to your insurer if they request it.

Insist That All Communications Be in Writing

It may seem minor, but all written correspondence should be sent by certified mail with a return receipt. This will help you establish proof that your insurer received your letter, and you’ll have proof that the letter was given to your provider.

Hold onto Cancelled Checks and Receipts

Keep any documentation related to your deductible and all receipts for your medical expenses. These will be useful if you need to submit a medical expense report in support of your claim.

It can be frustrating to deal with insurance companies who try to blame the victim. However, it’s essential to understand how they operate and protect yourself from being manipulated.

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