When you’re injured in an accident that is the fault of another party, you might be surprised by how quickly their insurance company reaches out to you. There’s a reason for this urgency.
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you’re probably coping with physical pain from your injuries and mental strain from managing the treatment process and its potential long-term effects on your life.
During this vulnerable time, insurance companies hope you’ll fall into the trap of handling your personal injury claim alone. They know contacting you before you’ve had time to speak with an attorney gives them a significant advantage.
The Hidden Risks of Handling Your Claim Alone
When the insurance company first contacts you, their adjuster could sound very helpful and make it seem like managing your claim and getting compensation for your injuries will be an easy process that they can help you with. However, there are risks to handling a claim without legal representation.
You Might Make Damaging Statements
Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to get you to admit partial fault or minimize your injuries. If they can get you to say something that even hints you may feel you played a part in the accident, it could negate your personal injury claim. Saying something as simple as “I’m feeling a little better today” could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
You Could Undervalue Your Claim
One of the biggest mistakes people make is accepting the first settlement offer. Insurance companies typically start with lowball offers that don’t account for all your damages. Without legal experience, knowing what your claim is truly worth is almost impossible.
Your claim should reflect a fair compensation for any current and future medical expenses, lost wages- both now and what you might miss out on in the future- damage to your property, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
How an Attorney Can Protect Your Interests
An insurance company’s primary concern is safeguarding its profits, not your best interest. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you gain someone who will use their legal expertise and resources to fight for your well-being.
An Attorney Provides Professional Communication
When you hire an attorney, they handle all communication with the insurance company. This means your attorney can identify and counter insurance company strategies and craft statements that will protect your interests. This helps eliminate the possibility of you accidentally saying something damaging.
An Attorney Can Help Collect and Preserve Evidence
Building a strong case requires evidence. You must prove how the opposing party caused your injuries. Your attorney knows what evidence to gather, how to preserve it properly, and how to present it effectively. This might include police accident reports, photos of the accident, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and expert testimony.
An Attorney Can Create an Expert Claim Valuation
Personal injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to value your claim correctly. They understand how to calculate both economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (like pain and suffering).
They can review similar cases, consider long-term impacts, and work with medical experts to ensure all future needs are included in your claim’s value.
An Attorney Can Negotiate the Best Deal
Insurance adjusters have years of experience negotiating for the minimal insurance claims payout. If you have a lawyer who is skilled at negotiating with insurance companies, you will have a better chance of receiving a fair settlement.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s really important to look after your rights by talking to an attorney before you speak with any insurance company. Keep in mind that the insurance company has professionals who are focused on protecting its interests. Doesn’t it make sense for you to have someone looking out for yours?
At Brock and Stout, our personal injury attorneys care about what you’re experiencing and are here to support you during this challenging time. We invite you to reach out for a free evaluation of your personal injury claim to see if we can get you the compensation you deserve. Let our family help your family when you need it most.