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. 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. 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 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. If you do not seek prompt medical care, the insurance company may argue the accident did not cause your injury.
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. For some situations, the statute of limitations may increase or decrease the time to file a claim. 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 to use against you to undervalue the claim. Phone conversations with your insurance company are usually recorded whether they tell you or not. Anything you say can 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 interest not yours, regardless of what they tell you. It is never in your interest to give a written or recorded statement without talking to a personal injury attorney.
5. Requiring Access to Medical Records
A 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 might tell you 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 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
The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement before you have a chance to consult with a car accident attorney. The first offer is almost always less than the value of your claim. When 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 fully known until a doctor releases you from treatment.
7. Suggesting That an Attorney Will Take All Your Money
You will likely be discouraged from consulting a personal injury attorney by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may suggest the settlement does not require a lawyer or that a lawyer will take all your money. However, the truth is, most personal injury lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing, and having legal representation will probably increase the amount received 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 money you receive for your 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 the settlement. In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury lawyer won a settlement compared to just 51% who did not. In fact, the amount you receive could be two to three times more with an attorney negotiating the settlement. If you’re 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?
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. 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.