So, you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. There is a lot to deal with, isn’t there? The physical pain and exhaustion may be too much to handle, and your medical bills are quickly piling up at a time when you are unable to work to earn a wage. All of this stress can take a mental toll on you, leaving you worried about what the future has in store.
Fortunately, a personal injury lawsuit may be your saving grace, as it could provide you with the financial resources that you need to pay your rent, cover your utilities, buy your groceries, and pay your medical bills. In other words, you might be able to secure financial stability while you focus on your recovery.
The dangers of settling your personal injury claim
It is important to note that a lot of personal injury cases end up settling. While this means that you may be able to recover a quick infusion of cash, you have to remember that the insurance companies that you are dealing with are not your friend. Here’s why:
- Insurance companies are businesses: Despite what their commercials and other ads may portray, the number one concern of an insurance company is its profits. This means that they have an interest in collecting premiums and paying out as little as possible when they get entangled in legal proceedings. That is why a lot of settlement offers made by insurance companies are far less than what accident victims deserve.
- Adjusters are looking for statements to use against you: Representatives from an insurance company may seem kind and caring, but they have a job to do. And part of that job is to determine if you are somehow at fault for the accident or if you are exaggerating your damages. So, be careful with what you say to these individuals, as they are looking for any statements that they can use against you in your case. Also, do not give any recorded statements without talking to your attorney first.
- Insurance company attorneys are slick: The legal professionals who represent insurance companies are experienced and well-versed in handling these kinds of cases. As such, they know how to deploy effective negotiation strategies that may lure you into a settlement agreement that is not right for you. These attorneys may question your evidence and indicate that they cannot offer more than a certain amount or that an offer that they make is their last offer. Don’t take their word as truth.
- Insurance companies are known to stall: Whether it is with the insurance claim or your legal claim, an insurance company is probably going to try to delay the process as much as possible. Why? Because they want people like you to become desperate, give up, and accept something that is far less than what is deserved. If you are in this situation, you may want to speak with your attorney about your options for making ends meet while you wait for your legal claim to reach its conclusion.
Aggressively advocate for your position
Too many people get railroaded into settlement agreements that insufficiently cover their damages. Don’t let that happen to you. Instead, be prepared to stand up to aggressive insurance companies to fight for what you need and deserve. If you think that you could benefit from some assistance in that regard, you may want to research your representation options and choose a legal advocate who is right for you.