Progressive Claims: The Secret to Successful Claims

Learn how to maximize Progressive claims with your advocates at AP Law Group.

While Progressive may have some funny commercials and a quirky spokeswoman, filing claims with the insurance giant is no laughing matter. Progressive provides auto insurance to over 10 million drivers in the United States and has the backing of a very large and experienced legal team.

As such, Progressive accident claims become very complex when it comes to getting what you deserve after an accident. Insurance companies have a vested interest in paying as little as possible to protect their bottom line.

Unfortunately, this can mean you miss out on the claims payment you deserve while already dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and injuries.

Thankfully, there are some easy and simple tips you can follow to make the Progressive accident claims process more efficient and get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Read below to learn seven tips to successful claims after a motor vehicle collision:

1. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

One of the first things you may be asked to do when dealing with Progressive claims representatives after an auto accident is to give a recorded statement. You may be told that this statement is for administrative purposes and that the representative just wants a record of your recollection of what took place.

While this may seem like a good idea, you’re encouraged to avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve had a chance to confer with an accident attorney. What you may not realize is that your recorded statement can and will be used in the process of examining your claim.

Any misstatement, whether due to confusion in the moment or adrenaline from feeling intimidated, can be used to reduce the amount of compensation you’re due to receive.

 

2. Be Careful With Your Words When You Speak to an Insurance Company

 

In keeping with the above, you’re also encouraged to be mindful of the words you use when speaking to a Progressive claims representative. These people are trained to hone in on key words and phrases that may indicate you were at fault in an auto accident or that your injuries aren’t that serious.

For example, a Progressive accident claims representative may casually ask how your day is going when following up after an accident. If you reply and tell them that your day is going well because your doctor said it looks like your injuries will heal soon, they infer that your injuries aren’t that serious and your claims payment could be affected.

The bottom line? What you say and how you say it matters.

Instead, you’re encouraged to allow your accident attorney to handle all communication with Progressive when possible to avoid the potential for confusion.

 

3. Do Your Medical Bills Matter?

Medical bills factor into claims payments in a big way. Unfortunately, your medical bills may not matter if Progressive tries to use its own medical representatives to determine your costs.

The thing about this is that what you’re charged and what Progressive’s medical team thinks you should be charged can be two totally different things. In fact, Progressive claims payments could be substantially lower if the company’s medical evaluation doesn’t match up with what your own doctor’s charge.

This isn’t fair, but it can and does happen. A situation like this further drives home the point that you need to have an experienced and capable legal team on your side to represent your interests and get the highest Progressive accident claims payment possible.

 

4. Your Progressive Claims Are Often Worth More Than You Think

When considering what your claim is worth, you may think that costs associated with the accident itself and any injuries sustained in the moment are all that matter. The truth, however, is that your claim is probably worth much more than you realize.

For example, could your injuries impact your ability to earn money in the future? Could your injuries lead to other medical conditions down the road?

Even if you feel fine after an accident, could an injury develop in the days, weeks, or months ahead?

Likewise, how do you represent the value of your pain and suffering to an insurance company? Do you know how to place a dollar amount on the anguish you’ve suffered and the physical pain you’ve endured?

An auto accident attorney knows how to do these things. Let them help you maximize your claims payment through representation.

 

5. Should You Accept Their First Offer?

After a car wreck, your mind is probably all over the place. In addition to the shocking nature of an injury accident, you probably feel overwhelmed. The number of questions  Progressive asks and the number of forms you have to fill out is intense.

Of course, all of this is takes place as you try to heal from your injuries.  As you work with your doctor to get healthy, you need peace, not questions.

In the midst of this confusion, it may be tempting to simply accept the first offer that Progressive puts in front of you. After all, you need money for your injuries right now, right?

The problem is that Progressive knows all of this, and as such, Progressive claims representatives may try to offer you a lower compensation amount in the hopes that you will simply accept it. Essentially, they prey upon you in your vulnerable state.

If you’re even questioning whether you should accept the first offer that comes along, consult an attorney. Your attorney can help you judge the offer. Moreover, they determine whether it’s fair or whether you need to fight for more.

 

6. How Progressive Justifies Lowball Settlement Offers

Receiving a lowball offer can make a difficult situation even more frustrating after a car wreck with injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies often justify lowball offers by skirting around the facts through the purchase of medical liens.

Essentially, Progressive may try to purchase your medical lien for a lower amount. Then, Progressive turns around and offers you compensation based on the lower amount. Progressive isn’t technically doing anything unethical in this situation. After all, your compensation is in line with the lien, right?

An experienced attorney can help you navigate these tricky situations. Lawyers help you avoid getting stuck with a lowball offer or accepting a lower amount of compensation than you deserve.

 

7. When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Finally, time is often of the essence when it comes to legal matters, including filing personal injury lawsuits. This doesn’t mean that you need to immediately file a lawsuit after an injury accident. However, it does mean that it would be a good idea to discuss the matter with an auto accident attorney.

Remember that injuries may not become apparent until well after a motor vehicle accident. You don’t want to miss out on the ability to seek compensation. Your attorney reviews your case to determine the best time to file a personal injury lawsuit. When negotiations don’t work, your attorney has to fight.

 

Progressive Claims & Houston Auto Accident Attorneys

If you sustain an injury in a motor vehicle collision and Progressive makes the claims process difficult, count on AP Law Group. Our team understands how the Progressive accident claims process works. Let us represent your best interests to get you the compensation your case deserves.

When you partner with our Houston car accident attorneys, you never pay until we win your case. We also provide consultations and case review services at no charge. At your evaluation, you see how we can help you receive maximum compensation.

Moreover, you fight back against unfair practices by insurance companies.