At Buttafuoco & Associates, we often hear from individuals who are in the process of settling with their insurance company after a serious personal injury. They tell us that they’ve received an offer from an insurance company, and they want to know whether they’ve been given a fair offer, or whether they should accept it.
In other words, whether they should settle their case without working with an experienced attorney.
Unfortunately, our lawyers know all too well that the answer to these questions is almost always “no.” I’ll tell you more about when to work with a lawyer and when to go it alone below.
Insurance Companies are For-Profit Corporations
Insurance companies often portray themselves as kind, generous, and there to help. They say that you’re in good hands and work hard to put you at ease after an accident. It is crucial to keep in mind, however, that their main incentive is not to get you back on your feet, but to pay you as little as possible.
Insurance companies are beholden to shareholders and, therefore, to profit. Claims adjusters are blatantly instructed to settle your case with as small a payout as possible, and insurance companies will use their considerable legal resources to ensure they pay out as little as possible, even if it’s far less than you deserve or need to recover from serious injuries.
A seasoned Northern New Jersey insurance claim attorney knows that this is not the case and will help you negotiate so that you recover enough to pay your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
What an Attorney Can Bring to Your Case
Many, if not most, people who get in an accident don’t think to contact an attorney, but there is so much a seasoned lawyer can bring to your case, including:
- Legal Expertise: Insurance companies often depend on the fact that you might not know all your rights, or understand the intricacies of personal injury or insurance law. With a qualified attorney on your side, you can deny the insurance company this unfair edge.
- Useful Evidence: Most individuals aren’t familiar with the kinds of evidence that are useful in personal injury claims or insurance settlements; an attorney, however, will have insight into what kinds of evidence will be most effective for your case, how to gather that evidence, and how to best present it.
- Negotiation Experience: An insurance adjuster will always attempt to make it appear as though their offer is not up for negotiation, and that you have no other choice than to accept it. A qualified attorney, however, has years of negotiation expertise, and will be able to play hardball with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Peace-of-Mind: If you’ve experienced a serious injury, you need your time and energy to rest and recover. Hiring legal representation can take the stress of negotiating your claim off your plate, so you can focus on getting back on your feet.
Find the Right Attorney
It’s essential to find experienced representation before you enter into negotiations with an insurance company, and finding the right attorney in Northern New Jersey for your case can be challenging, especially if you or a loved one is injured. Things you should consider include:
- Experience and Practice Areas: Not all injuries and not all areas of personal injury law are the same. When consulting with an attorney, be sure to inquire as to their specialties, as well as their track records with similar cases.
- Reputation: Read the reviews of attorneys in your area, and always look beyond five-star ratings. See what their clients have to say to get a clear picture of a law firm’s strengths and what it’s like to work with them.
- Fees: It’s a professional standard that any honest insurance claim lawyer serving Northern New Jersey will work on a contingency basis. This means that they’re only paid if you win, and their fee is included as a proportion of the settlement.
If you’ve been given an offer from an insurance company, don’t take it at face value. You can negotiate, and with strong legal representation in your corner, you can get the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation with Buttafuoco & Associates.
