You do not always need an attorney to handle your personal injury claim. Many people choose to forgo legal costs and handle negotiation on their own with the insurance company.
It is important, though, you consider your options before making this decision.
We asked attorney Alaina Sullivan about some of the issues surrounding negotiating with an insurance company. Here is what she had to say:
Should I Represent Myself?
You are always more than entitled to represent yourself following a car accident. Many individuals are more than capable of negotiating their claim without legal assistance. If you have experience in the insurance industry or with legal claims, it is possible you can work with a company on your own. Other factors can go into whether you should proceed on your own.
If you were involved in an accident and your injuries were minor, the store or company involved on the other side might just want to settle and not fight you on a claim that is not worth the legal fees it would take to defend their side.
It might be easier to just settle the claim quickly, pay for the injured party’s medical expenses and anything additional that would get the problem to go away.
Serious Injuries Require More Advocacy
However, if your injuries are serious, the amount of damages involved are suddenly a lot more. Not all insurance companies have bad intentions, and it is highly possible they might negotiate with you in good faith. However, keep in mind that they are running a business and are going to want to minimize the damages paid out to you because of that injury.
They are going to be looking out for themselves and not you. You are more than able to keep negotiating with them but the level of difficulty in doing this increases with the size of your damages.
Are You Asking for Enough?
You might think you are asking for enough in terms of monetary compensation, and while you may be right, you may also be selling yourself short. The insurance companies certainly are not going to correct you if you are quoting a settlement price that is lower than what you deserve, and they are not going to offer you more than you are asking.
It is not a requirement by any means, but if you have any question as to the reasonableness of your settlement offer, it never hurts to get a second opinion from a lawyer. You do not have to tell the insurance company you are speaking to an attorney, and the fact that you are already in the middle of negotiations does not mean you are barred from hiring an attorney.
At any time in the process, you are perfectly within your rights to speak to a lawyer.
Are You Asking For Too Much?
Just as you would not want to be asking for not enough, you certainly do not want to be asking for too much. All that does is signal to the insurance company that you do not know what you are doing. If you have any hesitation whatsoever, always get a second opinion from a lawyer.
A Lawyer In Your Corner
Put it this way: You are working with a large entity. Most insurance companies have numerous employees, and to them, you are a case or simply a number. They want to settle, and they normally want to settle quickly. If you are comfortable with doing that, nothing says you must hire an attorney.
However, if you find yourself in over your head after negotiations start, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Schedule a consultation with an attorney to see if you are where you should be in your situation. You may find that everything is under control, but at the same time, you may find that you are being given the short end of the stick.
Speaking With an Attorney
A licensed personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and determine if you have a claim against the other party’s insurance company. For the best chance of receiving the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, auto body bills, and pain and suffering, you should speak with a personal injury attorney in your area today.
