After a serious accident in South Dakota, many people expect insurance companies to be there when they need them most. Unfortunately, insurers are for-profit businesses, and their priority is protecting their bottom line — not paying victims fairly. That’s why so many injury victims in Sioux Falls and across South Dakota experience claim denials, unnecessary delays, or low settlement offers.
At Northern Plains Justice, our Sioux Falls injury lawyers know how insurers operate. If you’ve had your claim unfairly denied or delayed, call us at 605-306-4100 for immediate help.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Here are some of the most common ways they handle claims:
1. Delaying the Process
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Repeated requests for additional paperwork
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Long investigation periods with little communication
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Claiming they need more time to “review” evidence
Delays often pressure victims into accepting smaller settlements out of financial desperation.
2. Denying Claims Without Justification
Some denials are valid, but others are made in bad faith. Examples include:
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Claiming your injuries are “pre-existing”
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Saying treatment was “not medically necessary”
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Alleging you filed paperwork incorrectly
3. Offering Unreasonably Low Settlements
An adjuster might make a quick, lowball offer before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you usually can’t reopen the claim.
4. Misrepresenting Policy Terms
Insurers sometimes use confusing policy language to make it seem like you’re not covered — when you actually are.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
In South Dakota, insurance companies are legally required to treat policyholders fairly. When an insurer delays, denies, or underpays without a valid reason, that’s called bad faith insurance.
Victims of bad faith may be entitled not only to compensation for their original claim but also for additional damages caused by the insurer’s misconduct.
Learn more about your rights on our Sioux Falls Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer page.
Steps to Protect Yourself Against Insurance Denial or Delay
If you’re facing resistance from an insurance company after an accident:
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Keep Detailed Records – Save all emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
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Follow Doctor’s Orders – Missing treatment can give insurers an excuse to deny your claim.
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Don’t Sign Anything Quickly – Low settlements often come with waivers.
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Consult a Sioux Falls Injury Lawyer – An attorney can review your policy and fight back.
How a Sioux Falls Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Northern Plains Justice, we know the tactics insurers use. Our team can:
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Review your claim for signs of bad faith
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Handle all communication with the insurance company
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File lawsuits when insurers refuse to act in good faith
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Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
See related resources:
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Delay Justice
Insurance companies hope you’ll give up or accept less than you deserve. With the right legal representation, you can hold them accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward.
Call Northern Plains Justice today at 605-306-4100 for a free consultation with an experienced Sioux Falls injury lawyer.
