Many people who have been involved in an accident believe that filing an insurance claim is very easy and straightforward. While occasionally this is the case, it’s often far more difficult than it seems.
Insurance claims require detailed investigations, significant amounts of paperwork, and the analysis of confusing insurance policies. Here’s why you should always speak with a lawyer after an accident and before filing your claim:
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Insurance Companies Are Mostly Concerned With Their Bottom Line
Insurance companies are business entities primarily concerned with their own financial success. They seek to protect their bottom line by limiting payouts for claims whenever possible.
That can be done by providing lower-than-deserved settlement offers or rejecting your claim unfairly. Don’t ever assume that the insurance company has your best interests at heart.
A Lawyer is Familiar With Insurance Company Tactics
An experienced personal injury lawyer is familiar with the tactics that insurance companies often employ to diminish or deny claims. Insurance companies may use confusing jargon, delay responses, and attempt to downplay your injuries. They may try to insist on quick settlements without correctly assessing your actual losses and needs.
Having a skilled attorney by your side will allow you to navigate these pitfalls more confidently. Your lawyer will ensure you are treated fairly throughout this process.
Insurance Companies Will Take You More Seriously If You Have an Attorney
When you have legal counsel, insurance companies tend to take your claims more seriously. Insurance companies understand that lawyers are less likely to be swayed by unfair tactics or unnecessary delays. A lawyer will strongly advocate for a just outcome – making it harder for insurers not to respect and fairly address your claim.
A Lawyer Can Assess the True Value of Your Claim
Working with a lawyer is critical to determine the accurate value of your claim. Many people assume that the only things recoverable are expenses for medical costs and property damage. While this makes up a significant portion of many insurance claims, it’s critical not to forget about lost wages and non-economic damages.
These types of damage usually include pain and suffering, emotional injuries, and a decrease in quality of life. While it’s often very difficult to determine the value of these losses, they can make up a significant portion of recoverable compensation, so it’s crucial not to ignore these aspects.
A personal injury lawyer will know how to accurately calculate these damages and advocate on your behalf to make sure you get everything you’re entitled to.
A Lawyer Knows How to Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Negotiations after an accident require legal knowledge, strategy, and experience in order to secure fair compensation for you.
Without a lawyer advocating for your interests and pushing against these typically aggressive tactics, there is a significant risk that you may end up accepting less than what would adequately cover all your non-economic and economic damages.
Therefore, it’s key to have an expert negotiator – a personal injury lawyer – on your side, as they can level the playing field and allow you to secure proper amounts of compensation.
An Attorney Can Provide Court Representation if Your Claim Doesn’t Settle
If negotiations fail or reach a stalemate, your attorney can prepare to take your case further by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Remember that not all cases end in easy settlements, and sometimes, it’s necessary to escalate the matter.
If you’re eligible to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for the accident, having legal representation is crucial. Taking a case to court demands the preparation of compelling evidence, filing of appropriate legal paperwork, and presenting persuasive arguments before the judge or jury.
Your lawyer will be able to mobilize resources for this task, ensuring that despite these hurdles, you’re adequately represented at each step. This gives you the best chance of achieving justice.
Access to Resources and Expert Witnesses
Another significant advantage of hiring a personal injury lawyer is access to their network of professional contacts and resources, including expert witnesses. These experts can help build a strong case by validating your claims, providing valuable perspectives, or disputing the findings from insurance companies’ adjusters.
Lawyers usually have established relationships with medical professionals in various fields whose reports are clear and respected in legal proceedings. Their testimony and evaluation can considerably enhance your claim.
Personal Injury Lawyers Don’t Charge Upfront Fees
The majority of personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs for you; the lawyer’s fee is contingent upon the successful resolution of your case.
This arrangement aligns your lawyer’s interest with yours. They only get paid if they win or successfully settle your case, which motivates them to secure as much compensation as possible. This financial structure notably lowers barriers to seeking legal help while ensuring highly motivated representation throughout the process.
There’s no real risk for you to work with a lawyer, and you have everything to gain.
A Lawyer Will Make Sure You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit on Time, If Necessary
To file a lawsuit after an accident, you must make sure it is filed on time – within the statute of limitations. In Florida, this is typically two years from the date of the accident.
Several exceptions can extend the deadline – or, more importantly, shorten the deadline. If you don’t file your claim on time, you will lose out on your ability to recover compensation, no matter how clear it was that someone else was liable for your accident and losses.
Working with a lawyer ensures that all paperwork is filed on time and that your case is handled with care.
A Lawyer Will Give You Peace of Mind
The legal matters surrounding personal injury claims can be overwhelming when coupled with managing your health.
Working with a lawyer provides the psychological benefits of having a dedicated expert in your corner to advocate for you throughout the process. This makes it less stressful and provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re not navigating this complex situation alone.
With an attorney handling your case, you can focus more on your recovery – physically and emotionally.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney To Discuss Your Insurance Claim
Given the complexities and challenges involved in personal injury claims, it’s highly beneficial to start your journey with legal guidance. Seek out the advice of a personal injury lawyer before filing your claim to better understand its full value and avoid potential pitfalls.
Remember, your well-being isn’t the top concern of insurance companies. Don’t underestimate the complexities involved by making an assumption that you can manage a claim on your own. Contact us today and set up a no-cost consultation with one of our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, you can call us at (561) 556-7873.
