Common Insurance Tactics That Hurt San Antonio Car Accident Victims

Published by J.A. Davis & Associates Personal Injury Attorneys

After a car accident in San Antonio, many victims assume that insurance companies will fairly compensate them for their injuries and damages. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Insurance carriers are in the business of minimizing payouts to protect their bottom line. Without strong legal representation, accident victims can fall victim to manipulative strategies that leave them underpaid or denied entirely.

The Goal of the Insurance Company Is Profit, Not Fairness

While insurance companies market themselves as being on your side, their primary obligation is to shareholders, not accident victims. Whether you’re dealing with your own insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurer, the adjuster’s job is to reduce or deny your claim whenever possible. This includes offering quick settlements that are far below what your case is worth or finding reasons to blame you for the crash.

In San Antonio, where thousands of crashes occur each year on roads such as I-10, I-35, and Loop 410, insurance companies handle numerous claims. Their adjusters are trained to resolve them quickly and cheaply, not fairly.

Tactic #1: Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

One of the most common tricks insurance companies use is to offer a fast settlement within days of the accident. They know you’re overwhelmed, possibly without a car, and facing medical bills or lost income. This offer might seem like a lifeline, but it’s almost always a lowball amount that doesn’t consider:

Future medical treatment
Ongoing rehabilitation needs
Missed work or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering or emotional distress
Long-term disability or disfigurement

Once you accept their check, you usually waive your right to pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen.

How we protect you: At J.A. Davis & Associates, we review all offers carefully and help you calculate the true value of your claim before you agree to anything.

Tactic #2: Delaying the Claims Process

Another favorite strategy is to drag out the process until you’re desperate enough to accept a lower offer. Insurers may:

Request excessive documentation
Change your adjuster multiple times
Take weeks to return your calls or emails
Claim they are still investigating or reviewing

This delay can push victims into financial hardship, increasing pressure to settle for less.

Our approach: We put pressure on insurers from day one and ensure all communications are documented. If delays persist, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and pursue the matter in court.

Tactic #3: Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries

Insurance companies often try to downplay your injuries, especially if there’s a gap in treatment or you didn’t go to the ER immediately. They may claim:

Your injuries are not serious
You had a pre-existing condition
You could have returned to work sooner
Your pain is exaggerated or not medically documented

Even visible injuries like whiplash or back pain are often challenged. This tactic is particularly common in car accidents where property damage is minimal but physical injury is significant.

How we respond: We work closely with your medical providers to gather detailed records, secure expert opinions, and document your pain, limitations, and long-term prognosis.

Tactic #4: Shifting Blame to the Victim

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation. Even if you’re less than 51% at fault, your compensation is reduced.

Insurers know this and will often try to pin part of the blame on you, even when you’re clearly the victim. They may argue:

You were speeding or distracted
You failed to signal or yield
You were on your phone at the time
You had faulty equipment on your vehicle

Our defense: We gather evidence such as crash reports, witness testimony, and video footage to fight back against these claims and protect your right to full compensation.

Tactic #5: Misrepresenting Policy Limits or Coverage

Some adjusters mislead victims by claiming there’s less coverage available than actually exists. Others may withhold details about underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage that you may be entitled to use. This is especially relevant in San Antonio, where not all drivers carry adequate liability insurance.

What we do: We analyze all applicable policies and make sure every available avenue for compensation is explored, including your own auto insurance, umbrella coverage, or third-party liability claims.

Tactic #6: Using Your Own Words Against You

During recorded statements or casual phone calls, adjusters often try to get you to say something that weakens your claim. Simple comments like:

“I feel okay now.”
“I didn’t see the other driver.”
“Maybe I was going too fast.”

…can later be twisted to argue that your injuries aren’t severe or that you share blame for the accident.

Our advice: Never speak to an insurance adjuster without legal representation. At J.A. Davis & Associates, we handle all communication on your behalf to prevent damaging statements.

Why You Need a Lawyer to Level the Playing Field

Insurance companies have teams of attorneys, adjusters, and claims specialists all working to reduce what they owe you. When you hire J.A. Davis & Associates, you get:

A dedicated legal team that understands Texas insurance law
Skilled negotiators who won’t back down
Investigators who gather evidence to support your claim
Trial attorneys are ready to take your case to court if needed
Compassionate counsel that guides you through every step

We know their playbook—and we fight to beat them at their own game.

What You Can Recover with Legal Help

With strong representation, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Emergency care and hospitalization
Long-term medical treatment
Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Physical impairment or disfigurement
Property damage
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Our goal is to maximize your recovery and ensure you aren’t left with unpaid bills, lost wages, or future expenses that should have been covered.

Call J.A. Davis & Associates Today

Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you after a car accident. If you’ve been injured in San Antonio or the surrounding area, contact the experienced attorneys at J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP today.

We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

J.A. Davis & Associates, LLP
2914 Pleasanton Road
San Antonio, TX 78221
???? (210) 732-1062

Let us protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.

Common Insurance Tactics That Hurt San Antonio Car Accident Victims