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. Sadly, insurance companies are not there to help, frequently fighting claims to avoid payouts. If you are not prepared before contacting your insurance company or meeting with an adjuster, you may very well walk away empty-handed. 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. Insurance companies will use various tactics to fight your personal injury claim or lower the amount of the settlement. Here’s a list of the most common tactics:
1. Blame the Victim
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. Deny Claims Due To Delayed Medical Care
It is essential that you seek medical care promptly afer an accident. Document any injuries or symptoms with a doctor for your 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. Drag Out A 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. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to avoid a problem.
4. Requiring Recorded or Written Statements
It’s not uncommon for an adjuster to ask for a written or recorded statement for the insurance company to process your claim. This tactic is used to obtain information to use against you to deny the claim. Phone conversations with your insurance company are often recorded. Anything you say may be used against you to hurt your claim. Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. Claim adjusters are working to protect the insurance company’s best interest not yours, regardless of what they tell you. It is not in your interest to give a written or recorded statement without talking to a personal injury attorney.
5. Requiring Access to Medical Records
Another common tactic is to request a medical records release to gather evidence that may be used to deny or lower the value of your claim. The adjuster might tell you in order to verify your injuries the insurance company needs copies of your medical records. It is highly probable that the insurance company will obtain copies of your full medical history to search for prior injuries and argue that they are responsible for your injury. It is unlawful for insurance companies to deny claims based on prior injuries or pre-existing conditions. Consult a personal injury lawyer before signing any record release forms.
6. Pressuring You For A Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement before you have a chance to consult with a car accident lawyer. The first offer is almost always lower than the value of your claim. If you have been injured, it’s not in your best interest to settle an injury claim before medical treatment is completed. The full extent of your injuries may not be fully known until all medical treatment has been completed.
7. Discouraging You From Contacting an Attorney
You will almost always be discouraged from consulting an accident injury lawyer by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may tell you the settlement does not require a lawyer or that an attorney will just take all your 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.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
You may believe you can negotiate with your insurance company without a lawyer. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of the settlement you receive from your injury claim. An experienced attorney understands the damages available for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of the settlement. In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury lawyer get a settlement compared to only 51% who did not. In fact, the amount received could be two to three times more with a lawyer 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}. Below is a shortlist of area criminal defense, DUI, and family law attorneys in the Phoenix area to start your search.
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.