Life isn’t fair.
We know this on an empirical and personal level, but it doesn’t make things any easier when we have a stroke of bad luck.
People who have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence often feel like they have been dealt a bad hand or received a raw deal from life. A pleasant Sunday drive or routine surgical operation can quickly become a life-changing event complete with piles of medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
As bad as this sounds, it isn’t always the worst part of the experience for injury victims and their loved ones. That distinction is reserved for interacting with the insurance companies who go out of their way to limit payments, make the injured feel guilty, and avoid doing the right thing.
The bad news: Fighting the battle with the insurance company can lead to an injury victim being hurt a second time.
The good news: It doesn’t have to end that way. You can get the financial compensation you deserve. By avoiding the pitfalls outlined below, you can make sure your case is on solid footing and increase your chances of efficiently navigating the legal process after an unfortunate injury or the loss of a loved one.
Don’t Skip Seeing A Doctor
In the event you pursue a personal injury claim, it will be crucial to have a record of your injuries and your medical treatment. Worried about the cost or don’t have health insurance? Some doctors will work with injury victims to defer payment until a settlement is reached in a personal injury case. If you live in a no-fault insurance state, your auto insurance will provide some medical coverage after your accident.
Don’t Trust The Insurance Company Or Its Employees
Not everyone who works for the insurance company is a bad person. The insurance adjuster who reaches out to you may sincerely want you to get better and recover from your injury. The problem is that when push comes to shove, their loyalty will lie with their employer’s bottom line, not yours.
You have nothing to gain and much to lose by talking to insurance adjusters and other company representatives before seeking the counsel of a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer.
Don’t Sign Anything Your Attorney Hasn’t Reviewed
There are countless tragic tales of injury victims signing away their rights only to find out they severely shorted themselves by accepting a lackluster settlement. If the insurance company is asking you to record a statement or sign a document, stop and think about why. Chances are, it is because doing so will help them limit the resources they pay you and put an end to the inconvenience of dealing with your insurance claim.
Don’t Admit Fault
The aftermath of an accident is no time to be self-deprecating. If you live in a state with comparable fault insurance laws, saying something as innocent as “I didn’t see it coming” could result in your damages being capped or eliminated.
Don’t Be Prideful
It’s not easy to admit when we lack knowledge about something. To make sure that you and your family receive the financial resources you need to recover from your injuries and move forward, you need to leave your case in the hands of a proven professional. Contact our team today for a consultation.
An experienced attorney knows the tricks and games the insurance company will try to play and can cut them off. You can also rely on your attorney to make sure any settlement offer is in your best interest before accepting it. The ultimate decisions on how to proceed with your claim will still be in your hands, but you will have the peace of mind that comes with making an informed decision.
