This is one of the most important questions you can ask after an accident. In many cases, it is wise to consult an attorney. Like a business, insurance agencies are for-profit. They will try hard to pay as little as possible. A personal injury lawyer is on your side. Their main job is to represent you. Studies have shown that people who hire attorneys get more compensation. Often, the fact you have an attorney increases the settlement offer.
Medical bills will be your biggest cost. Serious injuries can create thousands of dollars in medical bills. An insurance adjuster may not take into account all your losses. When you accept a settlement, you can no longer ask for more compensation. A personal injury attorney will calculate all your losses. They will look at your immediate losses. In addition, they will calculate future costs like rehab. Loss of work and quality of life is also taken into account. Each case is different, but the main thing is that they will help you maximize your compensation.
Insurance Adjuster Tactics
Insurance companies will use certain tactics to lower their costs. First, they may simply just deny your claim. Many people accept this as final. An attorney can help you dispute the denial. Lawyers have access to information that you might find difficult to obtain. A professional attorney will investigate and build a strong case for you.
The insurance company may even investigate you personally. They may attack your character or claim you exaggerated your injuries. Their investigations may even look into your social media posts to show you were not hurt. They may find injuries in the past and attribute your current injury. An attorney will help you negotiate with the insurance company. They will fight on your behalf.
You are not required to have a lawyer handle your injury claim. Statistics have shown that people represented by an attorney get more compensation. The Insurance Research Council conducted a study about injury compensation. This 1999 study showed that people who hired attorneys to help received 40% more insurance settlement money. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. They assume all legal costs when they take your case. When you accept a settlement, they get a percentage of that money. It is a win-win situation. For serious injuries, at least speak to an attorney. They will be able to tell you what kind of claim you have. In addition, they can let you know what to expect. That way you make an informed decision. The consultation is free and confidential.
When you are hurting, it is better that an attorney handles the insurance company. Their experience, knowledge and resources will help you get more compensation. A personal injury attorney is also a skilled negotiator. They will work for you to get the best deal possible.