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. 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
This is a common tactic. Don’t be surprised if the insurance claims adjuster attempts to shift the blame for the accident to you. Blaming the victim is a common tactic to avoid liability for a car accident or another personal injury. 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 your insurance company tries to claim you are at fault, hire a personal injury lawyer to represent your case.
2. Denial of Claim 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. Delaying The Case
Dragging out the case benefits the insurance company. Dragging out the case delays the settlement, so delays put pressure on you for a quick settlement. The insurance company may also delay the case to create a statute of limitation defense. For most cases, the statute of limitations on personal injury is 2 years. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations that may increase or decrease the time to file a claim. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to avoid a problem.
4. Requiring Recorded or 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 deny the claim. Phone conversations with your insurance company are often recorded. Anything you say can be used against you to deny your claim. Claim adjusters are working to protect the insurance company’s interest not yours, regardless of what they tell you. It is not in your best interest to give a written or recorded statement to your insurance company without talking to a personal injury lawyer.
5. Requiring Access to Your Medical Records
A 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 may tell you to verify your injuries the insurance company must have copies of your medical records. It is highly likely that the insurance company will use the release to obtain copies of your entire medical history to search for prior injuries and argue that pre-existing conditions are responsible for your injury. It is unlawful for insurance companies to deny claims based on prior injuries or conditions. Talk to a personal injury lawyer before signing any release forms.
6. Pressure To Accept A Quick Settlement
Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement before you have a chance to consult with a personal injury attorney. The first offer is almost always less than the value of your claim. If you have been injured in an accident, it’s never in your interest to settle an injury claim before medical treatment is completed. The extent of your injuries may not be known until all medical treatment has been completed.
7. Suggesting That an Attorney Will Take All Your Money
You will almost always be discouraged from consulting an accident injury attorney by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may suggest the settlement does not require an attorney or that an attorney will just take all your money. However, the truth is, most personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front, and having legal representation will likely increase the amount received from a settlement.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without an Attorney
You may believe you can negotiate with your insurance company without a lawyer. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of money you receive from your personal injury claim. An experienced attorney understands the monetary damages available for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of the settlement. An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury attorney get a settlement compared to only 51% who did not. Futhermore, the amount you receive could be 2-3 times more with an attorney negotiating the settlement. If you’re injured due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re your insurance company is resisting a settlement, don’t go it alone. Contact 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. As a result, almost all personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid when you do. There is no out of pocket expense to you 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.