Do I Need an Attorney?

This is an intelligent question, one that many people have. There are several advantages that an attorney can offer you if you have been in an accident.

First, you can be set up with medical treatment without any medical insurance, which is very difficult to do without a lawyer.

Second, we understand the intricacies of insurance law, and know the best way to set up your medical care. For example, we can advise you when it makes sense to use your health insurance, your medical payment coverage, or when it is better to simply work with a doctor on a lien.

Third, we can save you time and stress. It is difficult to work with an adjuster, prepare settlement packages, and negotiate when it isn’t your daily business. We have been doing this for many years and know the fair compensation on your case.

Fourth, we are familiar with the laws that may allow you to be compensated twice for the cost of your medical bills, based on premiums you have had to pay. This can increase the amount of your recovery. Additionally, one of the dangers that injury victims face is the smooth-talking insurance adjuster. Insurance adjusters want to settle your claim before you get legal help. The reason for this is simple. It saves the insurance company a lot of money.

The insurance companies have different adjusters who are assigned different tasks. The adjusters who speak with injury victims calling in for the first time, are carefully trained to do the following things:

• To be smooth, express compassion, and imply that their only interest is to help you
• To offer you a quick settlement
• To explain that a quick settlement will get you your money faster, and save you hassles
• To try to talk you out of calling a lawyer
• To argue that a lawyer will cost you money
• To argue that a lawyer will not be able to get your settlement increased

It is very profitable for the insurance company when an adjuster can talk you into settling your claim without a lawyer. Adjusters will try to persuade you to accept a payment and sign a “Release”. Adjusters will speak with confidence about what your claim is worth. This presents a multitude of dangers to you. There is no way an adjuster can know the value of your claim. A fast settlement does not take into consideration the extent of physical injuries, as well as any lasting effects which may not show up until much later. Remember who the adjusters are working for. They get paid to represent the interests of the insurance company, not you. Who is protecting your interests?

The value of speaking to an attorney is multi-fold:

• It allows you to get an overview of what can and cannot be done for you, what your expectations should and should not be, how the process works, and what time frames are involved.
• It allows you to get answers to many of your questions.
• It puts you in a position to make an INFORMED decision as to what is best for you.

There is no charge for such a discussion. Learn what your rights are. Give us a call.

Posted in: General FAQs