Why You Shouldn’t Settle Your Own Case with the Insurance Company
When you think of calling an attorney after an accident, you likely think about
lawsuits and courtrooms. You probably don’t think about seeking legal assistance to make an insurance claim regarding your accident. Not calling a lawyer can be a huge mistake, however, as insurance companies can take advantage of injured individuals who are unfamiliar with the claims process. A lawyer often can ensure that you receive the amount you deserve for your losses.
Limiting Liability
Insurance companies are just that: companies. Like any other company, they are focused on making a profit, which means limiting their liability whenever they can. One primary way to limit liability is to find ways to limit payouts to claimants, even if the claim is valid. Insurers can try to limit payouts in the following ways, among others:
Challenging fault – An insurance adjuster often will try to claim that you were
partially at fault for the accident that occurred in order to limit the liability of the insured party. An attorney can help you prove fault in this situation.
Questioning your losses – Adjusters may also say that your injuries were not as severe as you claim, that you did not require all claimed medical treatment, and/or that you did not need to miss work because of your injuries. Our law firm can provide evidence to prove your losses to the insurer.
Inadequate Settlement Offers
If you receive a settlement offer and do not have the advice of an attorney, you may believe that the offer is adequate or that you have no other choice but to accept it. However, once you have accepted any offer, no matter how inadequate, you generally lose the right to ever seek additional compensation stemming from that accident. An attorney will handle the entire settlement process for you, review any offers, and negotiate for the amount you deserve.
Call a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney for Assistance Today
The best way to know if you
need the help of an attorney for your insurance claim is to call and discuss your situation with a personal injury law firm. At
Abels & Annes, we have years of experience representing clients in Chicago who have suffered many different injuries in a variety of accidents. Please call our office at (312) 924-7575 for a free case evaluation today.
