If you’ve been in an accident in Florida and received a settlement offer, don’t rush to accept it. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, so their initial offer likely undervalues your claim. A personal injury lawyer, like those at Freidin Brown P.A. law firm, can help you boost your settlement and secure the compensation you deserve.
Understanding why insurance companies lowball their initial offers is essential. They rely on your ignorance of your rights or the full scope of your damages. Partnering with a personal injury attorney can help you avoid falling into this trap and help you fight for the highest possible settlement.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements
When dealing with an insurance company after an accident, it’s very important to understand that their primary goal is profit. They will often offer you a settlement quickly, hoping you will accept it before fully understanding the value of your case.
This initial offer typically does not account for all the expenses you might face, including future medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Insurance adjusters will often attempt to minimize your claim by downplaying your injuries and financial losses. The only way to counter this is by having a personal injury attorney who knows how to calculate the true value of your claim and is willing to push back against the insurance company.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help to Strengthen Your Claim
Hiring a personal injury lawyer provides you with an immediate advantage when dealing with an insurance company. Your attorney will investigate your case, help to collect evidence, consult medical experts, and assess the full scope of your damages, all essential for maximizing your compensation.
A savvy personal injury attorney knows how to successfully deal with insurance adjusters and navigate the legal process, ensuring that all paperwork is handled properly and on time. Their involvement signals the insurer that you’re serious and prepared to go to court, often prompting the insurance company to counter with a better settlement offer.
Key Ways a Personal Injury Attorney Boosts Your Settlement
Hiring a personal injury attorney in Florida offers several clear benefits that directly impact the size of your settlement. Here are some of the main ways they can help:
- Properly valuing your damages: A personal injury lawyer will review all the facts of your case, including current medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and any impact the accident has on your daily life.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Lawyers can counter low offers and use evidence to support a higher settlement demand.
- Handling all legal processes: Your attorney will manage the legal paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, which reduces the stress on you and ensures no detail is overlooked.
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary: Sometimes, a fair settlement cannot be reached, and your lawyer will file a lawsuit and negotiate for you in court.
Calculating Your Full Compensation
Many accident victims aren’t aware of the full range of damages they are entitled to. Beyond your immediate medical bills, you can claim compensation for:
- Lost income: If you’ve been forced to take time off from your job or it will prevent you from working in the future due to your injuries, you can recover those lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: A personal injury attorney will quantify your physical pain and emotional distress in monetary terms, increasing your payout.
- Long-term medical care: If you require future surgeries, rehabilitation, or long-term care, these costs should be included in your settlement.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Communicating with Insurance Companies
Many people make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer because they feel pressured or think it’s the best they can get. This is rarely the case. Without a personal injury lawyer, you risk leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Another common mistake is speaking directly to the insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters will almost always ask you leading questions that may seem innocent but can harm your claim. An attorney will oversee all communications with the insurer, protecting your interests and ensuring you don’t accidentally say something that can be used against you.
Let a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Handle Your Claim
When dealing with an insurance company after an accident, it’s essential to understand that their settlement offer is not the final word. Consulting with a seasoned personal injury lawyer gives you a much better chance of maximizing your compensation. A personal injury attorney will fight for you to receive the full value of your damages and won’t let the insurance company pressure you into accepting less than what you deserve.
