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. Sadly, insurance companies are not there to help, frequently fighting claims to avoid payouts. It’s critical to be prepared before discussing your case with an insurance adjuster 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. 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. Blame the Victim

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. Deny Claims Due To Delayed Medical Care

Prompt medical care is essential for your personal injury claim. 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. Dragging out the case delays the settlement, so delays put pressure on you to accept 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. 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

It’s not uncommon for an adjuster to ask for 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 undervalue the claim. Your conversations with the insurance company are often recorded whether they tell you or not. Anything you say can be used to deny your 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 without talking to a personal injury attorney.

5. Requiring 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 claim. The adjuster might tell you to verify your injuries the insurance company must have copies of your medical records. It is very probable that the insurance company will obtain copies of your full medical history to search for prior injuries and argue that they 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 record 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 lawyer. But the offer amount is probably much less than the value of your claim. If you have been injured, it’s never in your best interest to settle a personal 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 likely be discouraged from consulting an accident injury lawyer by the Insurance Company. The claims adjuster may tell you the settlement does not require an attorney or that an attorney will take all the money. However, in reality, most personal injury attorneys accept cases on a contingency fee, so you pay nothing up front, and in fact legal representation will likely increase the amount you receive 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 lawyer could increase the amount of the settlement you receive for your injury claim. An experienced attorney understands the monetary damages that may be obtained for an injury claim and how to maximize the value of your settlement. In a recent article, it was estimated that 91% of people represented by a personal injury attorney get a settlement compared to only 51% who do not. Futhermore, 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 dealing with an insurance company, don’t go it alone. Call 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.

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