After being in an accident, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney so that we can discuss what happened and your legal options. Many people make the mistake of thinking that they have to be fully recovered from their injuries before working with an attorney. This is not the case and very often, it is unwise to wait. The reasons are twofold.
First, there is a statute of limitations, so taking too long to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit could prevent you from doing so. Secondly, the situation can change over time. Road conditions may change due to road work or a new light being installed, witnesses may move out of town and even the person who hit you may suddenly become uninsured.
These are all a possibility so it is best to hire an attorney right away and start the process of seeking financial compensation for your injuries.
Hire an attorney prior to negotiations
Working with a personal injury attorney is wise even if you intend to negotiate with the insurance company. In fact, it is possible to receive more money through negotiations when an attorney is advocating for you. Attorneys can discern between good and bad offers and when the insurance company is trying to make a low-ball offer.
Attorneys can also determine when the other party is failing to include aspects of compensation that are necessary for a fair settlement. For example, if an insurance company makes the offer to pay for any past and current medical bills only, that will be a low-ball offer. They need to include compensation for all future medical expenses as well so that victims do not pay out-of-pocket.
Simultaneously, all fair offers should come with money to pay for pain and suffering. Being injured impacts more than just the pocketbook. It impacts a person's ability to do the things that they love and there should be money to compensate for this.
Be aware of the risks.
Anyone who negotiates on their own with the insurance company is taking a huge risk. This is because the insurance company makes money by paying as little as possible for injury claims. Assuming that it is possible to handle negotiations without the help of an attorney neglects to consider the fact that the insurance company may be less than honorable in their dealings.
If they can pay as little as possible, they will. This includes doing things like asking questions that could try to point blame in the direction of the victim. The other party's insurance company may do this, so it is far better to have a personal injury attorney handle all discussions and negotiations.
Benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney.
When an attorney handles the negotiations, the insurance company is intimately aware that if the case does not settle, it is likely to end up in a courtroom. Going to trial is incredibly expensive for the insurance company and comes with the risk that a jury may be sympathetic and award high financial damages.
With that in mind, they are often more willing to negotiate and reach a fair settlement agreement when an attorney is involved.
Schedule an appointment.
To get help with your case, call our office and schedule an appointment today.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
