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
You’ve heard the stories, a friend has been injured in an auto accident, a slip and fall injury, a workplace injury, all your friend wants is fair treatment from their insurance company. Unfortunately for accident victims, insurance companies fight personal injury claims to avoid paying money. It’s critical to be prepared before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster In this article, Phoenix personal injury lawyers provide tips and reveal common tactics used by insurance companies to minimize settlement claims. Before you discuss your claim with any insurance company, claims adjuster, or agent, you should be aware of the tricks insurance companies use to fight your personal injury claim and lower their payout. Some of the most common tactics are:
1. Shifting the Blame
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 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
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. The insurance company knows you need the money, 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 Written Statements
A claims adjuster may ask you to provide a written or recorded statement for the insurance company to process your claim. This tactic is used to obtain information which may be against you to deny the claim. Phone conversations with your insurance company are usually recorded whether they tell you or not. Anything you say can be used to deny your claim. Adjusters work 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 to your insurance company without talking to a personal injury attorney.
5. Asking You For Access to 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 needs copies of your medical records. It is very likely 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. Talk to a personal injury lawyer before signing any release forms.
6. Pressure To Accept A Quick Settlement
The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement before you consult with a personal injury lawyer. The first offer is almost always lower than the value of your claim. If you have been injured in an accident, it’s never in your best interest to settle an injury claim before medical treatment is completed. The full extent of your injuries may not be known until all medical treatment has been completed.
7. Discouraging You From Contacting an Attorney
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 a lawyer or that an attorney will just take all your money. However, in reality, most personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front, and having legal representation will probably increase the amount you receive from a settlement.
The Advantage of Having a Personal Injury Attorney
You might think that you do not need a personal injury lawyer and can get a settlement on your own. However, hiring an attorney could increase the amount of money you receive from your personal injury claim. An attorney understands the monetary damages that may be obtained for an injury claim and they know how to maximize the value of your settlement. An estimated 91% of people who hire a personal injury lawyer receive a settlement compared to just 51% who do not. In addition, the amount received could be 2-3 times more with an attorney 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 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. 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}. 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.
Here’s a map of criminal defense lawyers, DUI lawyers, family law attorneys, and divorce lawyers throughout the Phoenix valley and communities.