Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney vs. Settling Directly With the Insurance Company
After a Florida car accident, one of the critical decisions you have to make is whether to hire an attorney or handle your insurance claim alone. At first, dealing directly with the insurance company might seem faster and cheaper. However, the truth is that, in the long run, it could cost you a lot more. Understanding the difference between hiring a car accident attorney and settling on your own can help you make an informed decision.
The Risks of Settling Directly With the Insurance Company
Your insurer or the other driver’s insurance company might appear friendly, supportive, or caring. However, the truth is that insurance companies are businesses like any other, and their main goal is maximizing profits. And how can insurance companies achieve this goal? By keeping payouts low. If you handle your insurance claim alone, you make it easy for the insurance company to achieve its goal.
When you handle your insurance company alone without the help of an attorney, you face several risks, including;
Quick, Low Settlement Offer
Insurance adjusters often make quick settlement offers to claimants before they fully understand the extent of their injuries. However, these offers are usually way lower than the claim’s actual value. As tempting as the first offer from the insurance company might be, you should not accept it without consulting an attorney. Remember, once you take the offer, you cannot ask for more money, even if your condition worsens later.
Pressure Tactics
The insurance company may try to pressure you into accepting an offer. For example, they might tell you that the offer is only available for a limited time. Such a tactic is meant to make you panic and accept less than you deserve. Other pressure tactics they may use include discouraging you from hiring an attorney, constantly following up and calling you, and delaying your claim to create financial pressure.
Underestimating Your Damages
When calculating your damages, you may only think about medical expenses and lost wages. However, you may be owed much more, including lost earning potential and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Complex Legal Rules
Car accident claims in Florida involve complex rules that you may not understand. An experienced car accident attorney can ensure you know all the rules and how each applies to your case. For example, they can help you understand the comparative negligence rule. Insurance companies are known to use this rule to reduce payments.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
Hiring an experienced auto accident attorney instead of handling your claim alone is vital for several reasons. An attorney can help you,
- Investigate your case and gather evidence
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Handle cunning insurance adjusters
If you cannot reach a fair agreement outside of court, an attorney can litigate your case in court and help fight for your deserved compensation.
Contact a West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident, you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. A skilled West Palm Beach car accident attorney at The Pendas Law Firm can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Naples, Melbourne, and Fort Lauderdale areas.