After a serious accident, it may be tempting to settle with your insurance company quickly and to put the entire affair behind you. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters can often take advantage of this natural impulse to deprive you of the fair settlement to which you are entitled. By urging you to settle quickly, these representatives of the insurance industry can often avoid paying for medical issues that are identified later and can almost always reduce the total amount paid out on your accident claim. Working with a qualified Houston car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights both in and out of court and can ensure that you receive fair and equitable compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering and all damages sustained in the incident. Here are three key reasons to retain legal counsel and do not accept the first offer from your insurance adjuster. The Insurance Company Does Not Represent You A common misconception among many consumers is that their insurance companies act on their behalf to negotiate settlements with the other parties involved in the accident. In fact, your insurance company acts in its own interest to limit its financial exposure in all cases, including accidents in which you were not at fault. It is almost always in the insurer’s best interest to offer you a lower settlement amount during the initial negotiations. This can reduce the amount to be collected from the other party’s insurance company and can streamline the negotiations between these agencies going forward. Some of the most common tactics used by insurers to avoid paying fair compensation include the following:
- Providing dubious evidence regarding the fair market value of your vehicle before it was damaged in the accident
- Claiming that either the damage to your vehicle or the injuries you are claiming were already in existence at the time of the accident
- Dismissing some or all of your medical claims as exaggeration
- Refusing to take your calls until you agree to sign off on a settlement
These are strategies employed by major insurance firms; smaller insurers may actually go further in their efforts to avoid offering you the settlement you deserve after a serious accident. Accident Attorneys Do More than Represent You in Court Some people believe that the only role of a Houston personal injury attorney is to pursue a case in the courtroom setting. In fact, attorneys who specialize in accident law can provide real help in navigating insurance forms, negotiating settlements with the adjusters at your insurance company and providing evidence to support your claim. Your insurance company almost certainly maintains an expert legal team to defend its decisions in court. Retaining the services of a qualified accident attorney can level the playing field and ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement. Truck Accidents Are Different Accidents involving tractor-trailer trucks typically result in far more serious injuries and are more likely to cause permanent disability or death for drivers and passengers of other vehicles involved in these crashes. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can provide you with the information and insights needed to pursue compensation for injuries and losses sustained as a result of the negligence of drivers, trucking companies and other entities in the transportation industry. The forces at play in semi-truck crashes can be devastating. Enlisting the help of a lawyer who specializes in representing victims of 18-wheeler accidents can put the odds on your side when determining the compensation due to you and your family. By seeking counsel from a Houston car accident attorney immediately, you can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claim and negotiation processes. This can provide you with added peace of mind during this stressful time and may allow you and your family to achieve much higher compensation for damages, injuries and losses sustained in a serious accident.
