If you have been injured in an accident, you’ll likely have to speak to an insurance company at some point. For example, if you were hurt in a car crash, you’ll likely be contacted by the other side’s insurance company soon after the accident. When an adjuster contacts you, they will appear friendly and as though they would like to help. Unfortunately, that is not the case at all.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and that doesn’t involve paying out on large settlements. As such, listed below are three reasons you should speak with a personal injury attorney before you accept an insurance company’s settlement offer.
The Insurance Company Does Not Care About How Your Injury Will Affect You in the Future
Shortly after an accident, you will begin to have an understanding of the costs and expenses you are currently facing. You may have lost wages if you are unable to work, and you could already have several medical bills piling up.
The insurance company hopes you don’t think about how your injuries will affect you in the future, because that will add to the total value of the settlement. They want you to accept a quick settlement for current damages and move on. By the time you realize how much you will be left with out-of-pocket, it will be too late and you will have already signed off on your rights.
A personal injury attorney will always consider how your injury will affect you in the future. They can evaluate the losses you’ll incur to provide a fair estimation of your claim.
The Insurance Company Will Not Automatically Account for Your Non-Economic Losses
Just as the insurance company won’t account for future expenses, they also won’t account for your non-economic losses. These are damages that don’t have a concrete dollar value but are still losses you incurred. Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are just two types of non-economic damages you may incur. Although the insurance company may have offered you a settlement, it likely doesn’t include these losses.
An attorney will take into consideration all the losses you have suffered and fight to hold insurance companies accountable for paying a full and fair settlement.
A Claims Adjuster Will Do What the Law Allows to Minimize a Settlement
Claims adjusters use many tactics to deny or reduce your claim. They may claim you were partly at fault for the accident. They may try to persuade you to sign a medical release so they can comb through your medical history looking for a pre-existing condition. They may even ask you to provide a recorded statement.
These are just some of the strategies insurance adjusters use to deny your claim. While unethical, they are not against the law, and insurance adjusters capitalize on them. An attorney will recognize these tactics and put a stop to them in order to protect your claim.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys in San Antonio Before Speaking to Any Insurance Company
If you were injured in an accident that was the fault of someone else, it is crucial that you speak to one of our San Antonio personal injury attorneys before speaking to the insurance company. At KRW Lawyers, we have the necessary experience to go up against the big insurance companies and demand the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact us online for your free consultation to learn more about how we can help.