Many victims of a personal injury find they never see the inside of a courtroom.
The insurance company for the responsible party chooses to settle before the case comes before a judge, as they hope to pay out less by doing so. Sadly, many victims find they are taken advantage of if they allow for an early settlement. The insurer retains legal representation to handle this matter, and the victim needs the same to ensure their rights are protected. What does every victim need to know when they have been injured through no fault of their own and are entitled to compensation?
Reject the First Offer
Insurance companies typically start with a lowball offer hoping the victim will accept it and move on with life. Often, this offer fails to cover the expenses the victim will incur as a result of the accident. For example, it may cover the medical bills and lost wages but nothing more. The victim then becomes responsible for the expense of traveling to and from the medical appointments, childcare for these appointments, help around the house because they are injured and can’t carry out routine chores, and more. If you are injured in a car accident, hiring a personal injury attorney ensures none of these expenses are overlooked when negotiating a settlement offer.
A Fair Settlement
The insurance company functions with one goal in mind. It wants to make the most money possible for its owners and shareholders. As a result, every individual working for the company wants victims to settle for the smallest amount. They use various techniques to ensure victims do. A personal injury attorney is there for the client to make certain they aren’t taken advantage of. The attorney isn’t emotionally invested in the settlement and can examine the offer with an objective eye to ensure the client is treated properly.
Documentation
Every step in the personal injury lawsuit must be properly documented. Victims need to write down everything said in phone conversations and request the other party share this information in written form. Furthermore, every piece of paper related to the case must be retained until the settlement has exchanged hands. Make certain the other party puts the settlement agreement in writing. Never rely on a verbal agreement when your health is at stake. Having a written agreement reduces the chances of the agreement not being followed to the letter.
Persistence
While a victim should never pester the insurance adjuster for the responsible party, they need to follow up on the claim routinely. Don’t get pushed to the back burner in this situation. If the insurance company says they need more time for something related to the claim, give them a deadline to get back to you. A personal injury attorney can be of great help with this, as insurance adjusters know the attorney is going to follow up routinely and will ensure no deadlines are missed.
Don’t hesitate to request assistance if you have been injured in an auto accident. Turn to family and friends for help with daily tasks or getting to and from medical appointments. Hire help if needed at this time, so you can live the highest quality of life as you recover.
A personal injury attorney becomes of help at this time, as they can handle the legal aspects of the claim on your behalf. They negotiate for you and ensure you get a fair settlement. Furthermore, they handle all documentation and follow up when needed with the insurer. This provides you with peace of mind during a difficult time, and no price can be put on that.
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