Insurance Companies Don’t Want Accident Victims to Hire Lawyers for Personal Injury Claims: Here’s Why

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident, the insurance companies are going to scramble to settle your case as fast as possible. That’s because they want you to have the money you need to recover, right? Actually, they are trying to save money and avoid covering the full cost of your losses. That’s why insurers don’t want accident victims to hire lawyers for personal injury claims.

The good news is that you don’t have to accept the insurance company’s initial settlement. In fact, you shouldn’t sign any agreement with the insurer until you’ve talked to an attorney. An experienced lawyer will help you make the best decision based on the unique circumstances surrounding your case.

The Insurance Company’s Goal: Pay as Little as Possible

Insurance companies are a for-profit business. Their priority is protecting their bottom line, not doing the right thing.

Without legal representation, you’re at a disadvantage. You’ll be negotiating with experienced claims adjusters whose job is to minimize payouts. They handle dozens of claims every single month and know how to exploit loopholes in their favor.

Insurance companies use all sorts of tactics to exploit accident victims. One common approach is to offer a rushed settlement. Once you accept a settlement and sign on the dotted line, you give up your right to file a civil claim. That’s exactly what the insurance company’s lawyers want, so don’t do it. 

Other exploitation methods include:

• Delaying claims
• Questioning your injuries
• Denying liability altogether

Regardless of which shady tactics the insurance company is using, an experienced attorney can help you fight back. That’s why the insurer doesn’t want accident victims to hire lawyers for personal injury claims.

Lawyers for Personal Injury Claims Level the Playing Field

Hiring a personal injury attorney puts you on equal footing when negotiating with the insurance companies. Experienced lawyers understand the personal injury claim process and can:

• Gather critical evidence to support your case
• Negotiate with the insurance company
• Accurately estimate your long-term damages

Lawyers for personal injury cases will also take your case to trial if necessary. The good news is that about 95% of cases are settled out of court. Of the cases that do go to trial, auto accident claims have the highest success rate, with plaintiffs receiving favorable verdicts 61% of the time.

Cases that do make it to trial are usually hotly contested and often have several complex factors at play, such as shared fault between the injured party and the defendant. In these scenarios, taking your case before a judge may be the best option for securing fair compensation.

You Won’t Know the True Value of Your Claim Right Away

It’s easy to underestimate the long-term costs of an accident, especially if you suffer serious injuries that negatively impact your quality of life. Some injuries require extensive rehab or multiple surgeries.

If the insurance company pushes you into a rushed settlement, there’s a good chance that you won’t have enough money to cover all of your damages. Insurance companies also like to focus on hard numbers. This means they won’t consider the pain, suffering, and emotional hardship associated with your accident.

An experienced personal injury lawyer factors in everything when estimating the value of your claim. The goal is to pursue adequate compensation so you can cover all of your direct expenses, as well as the pain and suffering the incident caused you.

Quick Lowball Settlements Benefit the Insurer, Not You

One of the most common tactics insurers use is offering a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. While a fast payout may seem appealing, accepting too soon can leave you without the funds needed for future medical expenses that are hard to anticipate early on in your recovery.

Ultimately, undervaluing your losses and avoiding a lengthy legal process saves the insurance company money.

How Insurance Companies Undermine Personal Injury Claims

Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to undermine your case. Some of the most common strategies include the following:

• Downplaying your injuries
• Blaming you for the crash
• Delaying the claims process
• Pressuring you to give a recorded statement

Don’t give in to these shady tactics. Instead, reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

FAQ

How Does an Attorney Help During the Personal Injury Claim Process?

An experienced lawyer will guide you through the claims process. They handle everything from collecting evidence to filing your claim and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, they will represent you in court.

Will I Have to Take My Case to Trial?

Not necessarily. Only about 5% of personal injury cases ever make it to trial. Both you and the insurance company want to settle, albeit for different reasons. The insurance company wants to avoid a costly legal battle, and you want to receive fair compensation so you can focus on recovering.

Does the Insurance Company Ever Offer a Fair Settlement?

Yes, insurance companies will sometimes offer fair settlements. However, their initial offers are usually lowball attempts to settle the case fast. An experienced attorney will negotiate with the insurer as they seek fair compensation.

Schedule a Consultation With Commonwealth Law Group

Commonwealth Law Group is here to stand up against the insurance companies on your behalf. Unlike the insurers, we do have your best interests in mind. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn about your options.