After a car accident or personal injury, it’s common to think, “I’ll just deal with the insurance company directly, why would I need a lawyer?” At first glance, that might seem reasonable. After all, insurance companies are supposed to be there to help when things go wrong, right? Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side. Their main goal is to protect their bottom line, not to ensure you receive full and fair compensation. That’s why having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make a massive difference. Lastimado TX will share why it’s often in your best interest to hire an attorney when dealing with insurance after an injury.
Insurance Companies are Businesses
While adjusters may sound friendly and helpful on the phone, remember, they work for the insurance company, not for you. They are trained to:
• Minimize the company’s financial exposure.
• Deny or delay legitimate claims.
• Get you to accept a lowball settlement offer quickly.
• Get you to say things that could hurt your case.
Even your own insurance company can become difficult if you’re filing a claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use
Here are some ways insurers try to reduce what they pay you:
• Offering quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries.
• Asking for a recorded statement to use your words against you later.
• Blaming you partially or fully for the accident.
• Requesting unnecessary documentation to delay the claim.
• Disputing medical treatment or claiming injuries were pre-existing.
Without legal guidance, it’s easy to fall into one of these traps.
When You Definitely Need a Lawyer
There are situations where hiring a lawyer is highly recommended such as you suffered serious injuries requiring medical treatment or time off work. If the fault is disputed or the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim. If you are being blamed for the accident, the other driver is uninsured or underinsured and if the insurance offer seems too low. In these cases, a personal injury attorney can handle the back-and-forth while building a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
What a Lawyer Can Do that You Can’t
A personal injury attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company. They will gather and organize evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Determine the full value of your claim, including future medical costs and pain and suffering and negotiate aggressively with the insurer. Lastly, they will file a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t reached and fight for you in court, if necessary. Since most work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Time Matters
Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, often 1 to 3 years. Waiting too long to act could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Plus, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants who delay or miss critical deadlines.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Hutchins & DeSoto, Texas)
If your injury is minor, and liability is clear, you might be able to settle on your own. But if your case involves anything more than minor bumps and bruises, it’s almost always better to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. If you need a personal injury attorney that will fight for you, contact Lastimado TX today.
