If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, you need to remember that when it comes to negotiating with your insurance company, knowledge is power. Having a general knowledge of the law and negotiation tactics may not be good enough. The more you know, the greater chance you have of securing a better outcome, which is why we encourage anyone who has been injured in an accident to contact an attorney immediately.
Depending on the details of your case, your time commitment could vary so having an experienced personal injury attorney handling your case could be beneficial, the attorneys at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP are available to discuss your case 24/7, and our consultation is always free.
Here are some things we think you should know before you decide to handle an insurance claim on your own:
Know who you are up against
One of the biggest mistakes you can make – and the one mistake that insurance providers hope you will make – is assuming that the insurance representatives you are speaking with have your best interests at heart. In reality the situation is far more complicated and having an injury attorney watching out for your best interests could be beneficial.
Insurance claims adjusters — or anyone who is speaking to you about your claim, no matter the title – may offer you a settlement and try and get you to take funds quickly. This is their job, from the insurance company’s perspective, their goal is to pay you as little as possible to settle your claim.
Know your situation
By speaking with the insurance company, and not speaking with an attorney, many people who have been injured in an accident end up getting less than they deserve. Many people have been paying large insurance premiums, and injured parties are entitled to the coverage for which they have been paying. What is more likely to happen is that the insurance company will make you work harder, wait longer and want to pay you less than the compensation you may be entitled
This is why speaking with an attorney is important. Together, you and your attorney will go through the details of your injury, including the total expected cost of recovery, to come up with a plan on how to negotiate with the insurance company.
Know all of your options
There are rules and regulations both you and your insurance company will have to follow regarding your claim. If you have hired an injury attorney, they will know these rules and regulations and can explain your rights to you. Depending on your case, having an attorney guide you as to when it is a good idea to accept, reject or negotiate the settlement with the insurance company could be invaluable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP. We will review your case, let you know if you have a claim, and will make recommendations on the best way for you to proceed.