All About Sicilia Solidale News

Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers Pull Back The Curtain on Insurance Settlements

Jan 20

Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers Pull Back The Curtain on Insurance Settlements

insurance claims

 

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. Shifting the Blame

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. Denial of Claim Due To Delayed Medical Care

Prompt medical care is essential for your personal injury claim. Discuss any symptoms with a doctor to ensure that injuries are documented for the claim. If you do not seek prompt medical care, the insurance company may argue the accident did not cause your injury.

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. But they may also attempt to delay the case to create a statute of limitations 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 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 may be used against you to hurt your claim. Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. Adjusters are working to protect the insurance company’s best interest not yours, regardless of what they tell you. It is not in your best interest to provide a written or recorded statement without talking to a personal injury lawyer.

5. Asking You For Access to Your Medical Records

Another common tactic is to request a medical records release to gather evidence that can be used to lower the value of your personal injury claim. The adjuster may tell you to verify your injuries the insurance company needs copies of your medical records. It is highly probable that the insurance company will use the release to obtain copies of your full medical history to search for prior injuries and argue that pre-existing conditions are responsible for your injury. There are laws that prevent insurance companies from denying claims based on prior injuries or conditions. Consult a personal injury attorney before signing any release forms.

6. Pressuring You For A Quick Settlement

Insurance companies may offer you a quick settlement before you consult with a personal injury lawyer. The first offer is almost always less than the value of your claim. If you have been injured in an accident, it’s not in your best interest to settle a personal claim before medical treatment is completed. The extent of your injuries may not be fully known until a doctor releases you from treatment.

7. Suggesting That an Attorney Will Take All Your Money

You will almost always be discouraged from contacting an accident injury attorney by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may suggest the settlement does not require an attorney or that a lawyer 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 in fact legal representation will probably increase the amount you receive from a settlement.

Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer

You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an lawyer could increase the amount of the settlement you receive for your personal injury claim. An attorney knows the monetary damages that may be obtained for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of the settlement. An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury lawyer 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 are injured due to someone else’s actions in Phoenix or the surrounding communities, and you’re dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone. Contact a car accident or personal injury lawyer.

What About Criminal, DUI, or Family Law Cases?

What’s the difference between personal injury lawyers and criminal defense or family law lawyers? Personal injury lawyers fight to get you paid, criminal defense and family law fight for your feedom. 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. Unfortunately, for almost all other practice areas you’ll most likely have to dig deep into your pockets. 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}. Here is a list of Phoenix area criminal defense, family law, and DUI lawyers in the Phoenix valley and surrounding areas to get you started.

Table of Contents

tinyurl.com/3wtv2cuh

Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.