Why Insurance Companies Don’t Want You To Hire a Lawyer for Your Injury Claim
After an accident, filing an insurance claim is often the first step for most victims. Insurers have made the process more convenient with user-friendly websites, mobile apps, and helpful adjusters guiding you through it. With this convenience, however, the insurance company might even tell you that hiring a lawyer is unnecessary and will only complicate matters or delay your payout. This could sound convincing, especially if the adjuster seems to be looking out for you. However, there’s a reason they want you to handle things alone: it increases their chances of paying you less. Let’s explore why and how insurance companies don’t want you to hire a lawyer for your injury claim.
Why Insurance Companies Discourage You From Consulting a Lawyer
Below are key reasons insurers don’t want you to hire an attorney:
- Their Goal Is To Minimize the Payout
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary concern is protecting their bottom line, not your best interests. The less they pay out, the more they profit. As such, an adjuster may try to convince you that they can close the case quickly without lawyer involvement, but what they’re not telling you is that they are offering the lowest possible settlement, often before you fully grasp your medical expenses and damages.
- They Want You To Accept a Lowball Offer
Most injury victims aren’t familiar with the full value of their claim. Medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress all factor into compensation, but insurers bank on you accepting their initial offer, one that usually doesn’t cover all your losses. Without a lawyer to push back, you may settle for far less than you deserve.
- Accepting a Settlement Waives Your Right to Sue
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release form, it becomes legally binding. If you realize the amount you received isn’t enough to cover your future medical expenses or lost income, you can’t go back and ask for more. That is why it is essential not to accept a settlement until you reach maximum medical improvement when you know the full impact of your injuries.
How Insurance Companies Keep You From Hiring a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters are trained and experienced negotiators who know how to steer you away from getting legal help. Be wary of an adjuster who says things like, “You’ll get less if you hire a lawyer,” “We can settle quickly without legal hassles, “This offer is only available for a limited time,” or “Our process is simple, you don’t need a lawyer.”
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
Hiring a personal injury lawyer levels the playing field. An attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims and knows how to negotiate for fair compensation. If necessary, they can take your case to court, something insurers want to avoid. Having an attorney signals to the insurer that you will not be taken advantage of.
Speak to a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have a personal injury claim, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm today to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Orlando, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
Source:
dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energy/regs/compliance/PolicyandProcedures/proceduremanualhtml/unifiedpm/Unifiedpm_part0/Chapter0-0500Definitions#:~:text=mm.%20Maximum%20Medical%20Improvement%20(MMI)%20is%20when%20the%20covered%20illness%20is%20stabilized%20and%20is%20unlikely%20to%20improve%20with%20or%20without%20additional%20medical%20treatment.