After an accident, an insurance company may quickly extend a settlement offer to you. While that quick service may seem like a sign of compassion and care from an insurance provider, it could harm your recovery.
Speed of service can work in the insurance company’s favor. If you sign prematurely, you could end up accepting less money than your case deserves. The only way to know how much your case is worth is to allow an experienced legal professional to examine the details of your case.
Through the in-depth investigation of your case and fervent exploration of all legal options, Hagens Berman will identify everything an insurance company should be providing. We will then inform insurance adjusters of what we expect of them. If they offer anything less, Hagans Berman will apply legal pressure to fight for the highest amount possible.
WHY INSURANCE COMPANIES WOULD RUSH YOUR CLAIM
When insurance companies appear to be in a tremendous hurry, it is wise to be suspicious. There are a few reasons why you may find insurance agents rushing your claim through and asking for your signature:
- You don’t have a personal injury lawyer. When an insurance company finds you are without a personal injury attorney, they may act with lightning speed to get you signed off before you have the chance to call a legal expert.
- Your injury could require further care. A severe injury isn’t always cured after one night in the emergency room. For example, a broken bone could set wrong, or a back injury might lead to a permanent disability. If an insurance company convinces you to sign off on a barebones settlement, it’s a win for them. You can’t return to them later when you find your injuries will need surgery or require expensive medical treatment. These enormous costs fall to you.
- You didn’t request coverage for all of your expenses. If you aren’t working with a lawyer, it is unlikely that you will catch all of the costs that you can recover. Beyond medical costs, your lost wages at work and the paychecks you could miss down the road should factor into your settlement offer. For example, there are additional expenses like travel for specialists visits that are eligible for reimbursement. If these haven’t been factored into your settlement request, they will likely want you to sign an agreement before this oversight is caught.
WHY CONTACT A HAGENS BERMAN LAWYER?
Once insurance providers realize a Hagens Berman attorney represents your case, you might just see a change in their behavior. Adjusters are unlikely to try their usual methods to shortchange injured victims of the money they need. Your attorney will instantly call out quick-settle tactics and reject unfair settlement offers.
Hagens Berman attorneys are experienced litigators who are willing to take an unfair settlement offer to court. If an insurance company refuses to offer fair support, your attorney will be ready to bring them before a judge and jury.
Insurance companies hate expensive lawsuits, so they will try to settle whenever possible. Often, just the threat of a courtroom battle encourages an insurance company to offer a settlement that meets your demands.
CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY WITH HAGENS BERMAN
Before accepting any settlement, it is always in your best interest to consult an attorney. Adjusters work for the insurance company - not for you - and their job is to settle the matter for the lowest possible expense to the company.
Contact the attorneys at Hagens Berman for a free case evaluation. We are ready to listen to you and help you understand your full range of legal options. Once hired, we will immediately go to work to recover everything you’ve lost as a result of your injury.
