One of the most important services that a personal injury lawyer can offer you is assistance in negotiating an insurance claim. While you have the right to negotiate with an insurance company on your own, forgoing legal representation is often associated with difficulty during negotiations and limited compensation. It is highly recommended that you consult with a Middlesex County personal injury attorney when dealing with insurance settlements. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today for more information and representation.
Can I Negotiate With an Insurance Company On My Own?
Legally you are permitted to negotiate your settlement on your own without the help of an attorney or legal professional, though it is not recommended. If the accident resulted in minor damages that are easy to assess, you may decide to handle the case on your own. It is important to only do so if you are confident in your ability to negotiate on your behalf and effectively secure a fair settlement. Otherwise, you should consider hiring legal counsel.
Why Should I Hire a Lawyer During a Settlement Negotiation?
While it can be a hard pill to swallow, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not your friend. The main concern of insurance providers is turning a profit, even if it is at the expense of their clients. To make the most money, these companies aim to pay the least amount possible in settlements.
While there are many reasons to hire a lawyer during your settlement negotiations, some of the most important ones are listed below.
- It may be hard for you to fully understand the value of your claim. A lawyer can help explain what the situation is worth financially and what amount a fair settlement will be to ensure you are not taken advantage of. Individuals who have legal representation tend to walk away with higher amounts of compensation.
- Unless you have relevant experience, you likely know little about the law. During negotiations, you will not have a great understanding of your legal rights and options which will work to your disadvantage. By hiring a lawyer you can acquire the help of a skilled individual with in-depth knowledge of your rights, legal options, insurance law, personal injury law, etc.
- The negotiations themselves will also be better if you are represented. Your lawyer will have experience in similar situations and can implement a variety of strategies and tactics to ensure you can be awarded the compensation you deserve. They will also be able to identify and counter the insurance company’s strategies.
- It is also important to keep in mind that your case may go to trial if you cannot agree on a fair settlement. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can help you prepare to make your case.
If your accident was minor and the damages are straightforward, you may feel comfortable negotiating on your own behalf. However, it is recommended that you at least consult with a legal professional before signing the settlement, especially if the situation is complex or high-stakes.
Contact an attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC for your free case evaluation today.
