Insurance claims can be challenging to navigate. When an accident occurs, especially one that is not your fault, it’s an excellent decision to enlist the help of a lawyer.
Let’s talk about how a legal expert can help you get what you need to heal.
Lawyers Understand How Insurance Companies Work
From filing insurance claims to leading tense settlement negotiations, a car accident lawyer is a professional with proven industry experience and knowledge. Experienced accident lawyers know how insurance companies work. They understand the nuances of reaching a settlement, what paperwork is needed, how to process that information, and how to streamline it. Personal injury lawyers are also experienced in negotiations and arguing a case in front of a judge, which might be necessary in some cases.
Working with a claims adjuster can be complicated, so working with a lawyer can be even more critical. Claims adjusters have a set of standards or rules used to approve or deny claims. Lawyers know what liability evidence needs to be presented and what documents must be submitted to settle.
An insurance company’s business model is to reduce payouts. Some of the tactics they use are quick settlements, lowball offers, discouraging attorney contact, and even victim-blaming. Hiring a lawyer allows you to step back from dealing with the back and forths with the insurance company so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Lawyers Provide Legal Guidance
Enlisting the legal expertise of a personal injury firm like Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo provides the security of knowing you have a professional on your side. A lawyer specializing in automobile accidents provides the best possible legal representation throughout the entire legal process following an accident.
In regards to fees, you don’t need even more additional financial pressures that come post-accident. Look for firms that offer a free initial consultation and then operate on a contingency basis. When working with a law firm on a contingency basis, you don’t pay unless a settlement is reached through negotiations or litigation. Essentially, lawyers don’t get paid unless they win.
Lawyers Are Expert Negotiators
Lawyers, particularly those specializing in accident and injury law, are well-versed in the art of negotiation, making them invaluable when dealing with insurance claims and settlements. Their expertise extends beyond simple legal knowledge; they understand the nuances of negotiation tactics and the psychology of bargaining. Here’s a more detailed look at why hiring a lawyer is beneficial in these scenarios:
Expertise in Complex Negotiations
Insurance negotiations are rarely straightforward. They often involve intricate legal principles, detailed analysis of accident reports, and medical records, and a thorough understanding of insurance policies. Accident attorneys have specialized knowledge in these areas, having handled countless similar cases. They are adept at:
Navigating complex legal and insurance frameworks: Lawyers are trained to understand and operate within these complex systems, ensuring that all procedural requirements are met and leveraged to their client’s advantage.
Interpreting policy details: Attorneys can dissect insurance policies to identify coverage nuances that might be overlooked or misrepresented by insurance adjusters.
Rigorous Documentation and Paperwork
The process of claiming insurance involves substantial paperwork, which can be both overwhelming and critical to the success of the claim. Accident attorneys are proficient in handling this documentation efficiently, ensuring that:
All necessary documents are correctly filed: This includes filing claims forms, drafting letters, and gathering necessary evidence such as medical records and accident reports.
Deadlines are met: Failing to comply with timelines can jeopardize a claim. Lawyers keep track of these deadlines and ensure compliance.
Strategic Advice and Advocacy
When you receive an initial offer from an insurance company, it’s often not in your best interest to accept it right away. Lawyers are crucial in evaluating these offers because:
They assess the full extent of damages: Lawyers have the experience to evaluate whether an offer truly covers all the current and future costs associated with the accident. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
They can negotiate for a better settlement: Knowing the true value of a claim, lawyers can push back against lowball offers and argue for a settlement that more accurately reflects the damages and pain suffered.
Lawyers Understand Accurate Claim Valuation
Experienced accident lawyers have the skills to correctly and accurately value a claim. This can be invaluable since insurance claims adjusters typically limit payouts. Car accident attorneys understand who can be liable for a car crash. For example, it could be another driver, an automobile manufacturer, a loading company, a trucking company, or more — or multiple of these.
If you have difficulty reaching a reasonable and fair settlement (or if an insurance company tries to deny your valid claim), a personal injury attorney can help you get the settlement you deserve. Beyond that, car accident firms know their state’s rules, including the statute of limitations — how long you have to make a claim. It varies by state, so if you’re in an accident in Pennsylvania, reach out to a Pennsylvania PI firm.
Lawyers Are Familiar With Litigations and Settlements
Should you agree to a settlement or go to court? It depends. A top lawyer is an excellent negotiator, which means improving the chances of an attractive negotiated settlement.
The average automobile accident settlement includes factors, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Identifying economic and non-economic damages, including possible (but often rare) punitive damages, is part of calculating what could go into a settlement offer.
Ultimately, every accident and insurance claim differs, as do state laws. Your lawyer can advise you on what to expect from a customized settlement agreement.
Lawyers Can Help Reduce Stress
One major reason to hire a lawyer to handle your car accident claim is to reduce stress. This is especially important if you have physical health or anxiety from accident-related trauma. When you have a car accident lawyer on your side, you can let them handle the legal battles while you focus on rest and recovery.
Hire a Lawyer To Negotiate with Insurance: Reason Summary
Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims or offering a low payout. This is their whole business model. They feed on quick and easy settlements with no questions asked.
Take a step forward, ask questions of the insurance agency, and, most importantly, hire a lawyer who can advocate for you on your journey to getting fair compensation after a car accident.
