What to Do If an Insurance Company Is Stalling After a Car Accident in Shreveport, LA

After a car accident in Shreveport, you did everything right. You called the police, got medical treatment, and reported the crash to the insurance company. But now, instead of moving forward, it feels like your claim is stuck. You’re waiting on updates that never come. You’re getting the runaround. Or worse, you’re being told nothing at all.

If an insurance company is stalling, don’t wait quietly and hope for the best. You have more power than you think—and taking the right steps early on can protect your finances, your claim, and your peace of mind.

Here’s what to do if the insurance company is dragging its feet after a car accident in Louisiana.

1. Know What Stalling Looks Like

Not all delays are bad faith, but there’s a big difference between processing time and intentional slow-walking.

You might be dealing with a stalling insurance company if:

• Your adjuster suddenly stops responding
• You’re repeatedly asked for documents you already sent
• You’re being told your claim is “under review” with no real explanation
• You’re offered a lowball settlement with pressure to accept quickly
• Your calls or emails go unanswered for weeks

These tactics aren’t just frustrating—they can be strategic. Insurance companies know that dragging things out increases the odds that you’ll settle for less just to move on.

2. Don’t Let Them Shift the Blame

One of the oldest delay tactics is to make it feel like the holdup is your fault.

They may claim:

• You didn’t send enough documentation
• They’re waiting on a third-party report (like police or medical records)
• They need more time to “investigate liability”

Sometimes those reasons are legitimate—but too often, they’re just a way to stall. If they haven’t asked you for anything new or can’t give a clear timeline for resolution, that’s a red flag.

You don’t have to prove they’re doing it on purpose. You just have to recognize when it’s happening—and respond appropriately.

3. Get Everything in Writing

If you’ve been relying on phone calls with the insurance company, switch to email or certified mail immediately.

Every time you follow up, create a paper trail. Keep a log of:

• Who you spoke with
• What they said
• What they promised
• When they promised to do it

This record can be critical later if you need to escalate the claim or file a lawsuit. It also sends a message that you’re paying attention and won’t be easily brushed off.

4. Give a Clear, Reasonable Deadline

It’s okay to be assertive. If your claim has stalled without a good reason, send a written request for a status update—and include a deadline.

For example:

“I submitted all requested documentation on [date]. Please provide a written update on the status of my claim, including any outstanding items, by [reasonable date—e.g., 10 business days from now].”

You’re not being difficult—you’re holding the insurance company to its obligations. Louisiana law requires insurers to act in good faith and resolve claims in a timely manner. A firm but professional tone can remind them of that.

5. Don’t Accept a Rushed or Reduced Payout

Sometimes a stalling insurer will suddenly turn around and offer a quick payout—but it’s far less than you need or deserve.

That’s no accident.

They’re betting that by the time you’re frustrated enough to take anything, you won’t push back. But once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically can’t go back later and ask for more—even if medical complications arise or your vehicle turns out to be worth more than they claimed.

Take your time. Make sure the offer accounts for:

• All past and future medical bills
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage and diminished value

And if you’re not sure? Get legal advice before you sign anything.

6. Involve an Attorney Before It Gets Worse

There’s nothing wrong with trying to handle a claim on your own at first. But if you’re getting stalled, you’re already dealing with a problem—and the longer it goes unresolved, the more leverage the insurance company gains.

An attorney can:

• Take over communication and follow-up so you don’t have to
• Review any offers for fairness
• File suit if necessary to force action
• Determine whether the insurer’s behavior crosses the line into bad faith

At Ford Injury Firm, we don’t charge anything upfront to evaluate your case. And we only get paid if we recover money for you. If an insurance company is stalling, we’re ready to push back—and move your case forward.

7. Know Your Deadlines

In Louisiana, you typically have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s a tight window.

If the insurance company is dragging things out, they may be hoping you miss that deadline—and lose your right to sue entirely.

Don’t give them that opportunity. If your claim hasn’t been resolved and you’re approaching the two-year mark, it’s time to get a legal team involved immediately.

8. Take Control of the Timeline

When you’re hurt, dealing with your car, juggling medical appointments, and trying to return to normal, a slow insurance claim is the last thing you need. But you don’t have to wait passively and hope it all works out.

You can:

• Document everything
• Set expectations
• Hold the insurer accountable
• Ask for help when it’s needed

And in doing so, you take control of your case—and your future.

Call Ford Injury Firm If Your Claim Is Going Nowhere

We’ve seen these insurance tactics before. We know how to spot stalling. And more importantly—we know how to stop it.

If you’re in Shreveport and your insurance claim is going nowhere fast, we’re here to help you move forward. Our team can step in, assess your situation, and handle everything from negotiations to litigation.

Don’t let delay tactics derail your recovery. Reach out to Ford Injury Firm today for a free consultation.