Following a car accident that was the fault of a negligent1 driver, many people choose to simply handle negotiations with the responsible party's insurance company on their own. Injured victims may choose to do so because they do not believe they need an attorney, believe an attorney will be expensive, or simply do not know which attorney to call. Handling negotiations is usually not a wise idea, even for the most capable individuals. The following are a few reasons to consult with a personal injury lawyer regarding your case: The insurance adjuster is not on your side. While an adjuster may be polite and seem to care about your injuries, their job is to limit the liability of the insurance company. Any statements you give them may be used against you to reduce your recovery. Adjusters commonly work to show that you were at fault in the accident or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. An attorney will know how to communicate with insurance adjusters to rebut their arguments and maximize your settlement. Settlement offers are rarely adequate. Settlement offers from insurance companies may be sufficient for relatively minor injuries, but are rarely enough to even begin to cover the losses caused by a serious injury. Serious injuries can require ongoing medical treatments, can result in lost wages, and can cause severe pain and suffering, all for which insurance companies will rarely offer to fully compensate you. Discuss your case with an attorney before speaking with insurance companies to ensure that you are not accepting an insufficient amount for your losses. You need to focus on your physical recovery. Dealing with insurance companies can be time-consuming and you may have to provide evidence2 such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more to be in a position to adequately negotiate. An experienced attorney can handle the entire matter on your behalf while you concentrate on your physical recovery and health.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney even if you Believe you can Handle Insurance Negotiations on your Own