You may be in the process of going after a personal injury insurance claim after being injured by a negligent person or company with the goal of attaining compensation for your losses.
As you try to settle your claim with the insurance company, you may find yourself shocked by how low the offer is. You’re not alone.
An insurance company is just another business
You might assume that an insurance company is on your side. Unfortunately, the reality is that many insurance companies exist as other large corporations do. Their main goal is to bring in money for shareholders, not provide reasonable claim settlements for injuries, damages, and losses. Their objective is to decrease claim settlement and increase profits. This means they will try to come up with tactics and strategies. Resulting in an offer of a small sum of money (that they’ll hope you accept).
Small Cases Are often overlooked
If you haven’t been severely injured, you may receive a lowball offer because it’s assumed that you won’t hire a lawyer.
You accidentally created a settlement bind for yourself
If you’ve been in an accident from a negligent person, you may have already been contacted by someone from that person’s insurance company.
A common (and big) mistake many people make is being too open in discussing their accidents and injuries with the insurance company too soon. Avoid discussing your accident and injuries with the insurance company until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.
You want to wait until the extent of your injuries is known. If you don’t do this, you could damage your claim and limit the amount of money you’ll be able to receive for your injuries. You’ll have accidentally confirmed to them that your injuries aren’t that bad.
If you’re injured, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can meet with you to discuss your case and determine what path you need to take to ensure that you get the most compensation.
You’re trying to handle your case alone
Next to being to open with information about their injuries, the second most significant mistake that people make is thinking they can handle their case alone.
Insurance companies don’t want you to hire a lawyer and they will discourage you from hiring one. They may even try to come up with a variety of reasons why you shouldn’t.
Remember: insurance companies are businesses that are trying to work in their own favor.
A personal injury lawyer can protect you from the tactics they use to manipulate you to try to get you to accept a lower offer.
Do you have questions or concerns about your personal injury? Contact one of our attorneys and let us review your case with you.
