Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers Pull Back The Curtain on Insurance Settlements
Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers Pull Back The Curtain on Insurance Settlements
Pulling Back The Curtain on Tactics Used By Insurance Companies to Reduce Settlements
We've all been there, an auto accident, slip & fall, or another personal injury, all you want is fair compensation from your insurance company. Unfortunately for accident victims, insurance companies fight personal injury claims to avoid paying money. It’s critical to be prepared before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster In a recent article Phoenix personal injury lawyers pulled back the curtain on the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce the payout to settle claims. Before you discuss your claim with any insurance company, claims adjuster, or agent, you should be aware of the tricks insurance companies use to fight your personal injury claim and lower their payout. Some of the most common tactics are:
1. Shifting the Blame
It’s not uncommon for an insurance adjuster to attempt to shift the blame to you for the accident. Insurance companies will try to avoid liability for the accident by suggesting you are at fault If the case goes to trial, and the insurance company can convince a jury that you were even partially at fault, they can reduce the amount of the claim paid to you. If the insurance company suggests you are partially at fault for your injury, hire a personal injury lawyer immediately.
2. Denial of Claim Due To Delayed Medical Care
It is essential that you seek medical care promptly afer an accident. Discuss any symptoms with a doctor to ensure that injuries are documented for the claim. Failing to seek prompt medical care leaves the door open for the insurance company to argue your injuries were from a previous accident.
3. Delaying The Case
Dragging out the case benefits the insurance company. Dragging out the case delays the settlement, so delays put pressure on you to accept a quick settlement. The insurance company may also delay the case to create a statute of limitation defense. In Arizona, the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is 2 years. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations that may increase or decrease the time to file a claim. a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to avoid a problem.
4. Requiring Written Statements
A claims adjuster may ask you to provide a written or recorded statement to process your claim. This common tactic is used to obtain information which may be against you to undervalue the claim. Your conversations with the insurance company are often recorded whether they tell you or not. Anything you say can be used against you to deny your claim. Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. Claim adjusters are working to protect the insurance company’s interest not yours, regardless of what they tell you. It is never in your interest to provide a written or recorded statement without talking to a personal injury lawyer.
5. Asking You For Access to Medical Records
Another common tactic is to request a medical records release to gather evidence that can be used to lower the value of your personal injury claim. The adjuster might tell you in order to verify your injuries the insurance company must have copies of your medical records. It is very probable that the insurance company will use the release to obtain copies of your entire medical history to search for prior injuries and argue that they are responsible for your injury. There are laws that prevent insurance companies from denying claims based on prior injuries or pre-existing conditions. Talk to a personal injury lawyer before signing any record release forms.
6. Pressuring You For A Quick Settlement
The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement before you consult with a car accident lawyer. The first offer is almost always less than the value of your claim. When you have been injured, it’s never in your interest to settle a personal claim before medical treatment is completed. The extent of your injuries may not be fully known until a doctor releases you from treatment.
7. Discouraging You From Contacting a Lawyer
You will likely be discouraged from consulting a personal injury attorney by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may suggest the settlement does not require a lawyer or that a lawyer will take all the money. However, in reality, most personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing, and in fact legal representation will likely increase the amount you receive from a settlement.
The Advantage of Having a Personal Injury Lawyer
You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an lawyer could increase the amount of the settlement you receive from your personal injury claim. An attorney understands the damages available for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of the settlement. In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury attorney receive a settlement compared to just 51% who did not. In addition, the amount received could be 2-3 times higher with an attorney negotiating the settlement. If you are injured due to negligence on the part of someone else in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone. Call a car accident or personal injury lawyer.
What About Criminal, DUI, or Family Law Cases?
While much of the same advice applies when facing criminal charges, DUI charges, or a family dispute in Arizona, personal injury law is unique in that you are fighting for monetary compensation. Because of that fact it is quite common for personal injury lawyers to work on a contingency basis, taking their compensation out of the settlement and not your pocket. However, other than personal injury law, you are likely to have to dig deep to pay for a criminal defense, family law, or DUI attorney. Since freedom is on the line and you most likely will pay dearly for it, you should make sure you find an attorney or lawyer experienced in the predicament you find yourself|If you are paying for it, you’ll want to find a best criminal defense lawyer, DUI lawyer, or family law or divorce lawyer that best suits your circumstances}. Here is a list of Phoenix area criminal defense, family law, and DUI lawyers in the Phoenix valley and surrounding areas to get you started.
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.