After experiencing a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, one of the first things many victims encounter is a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company. These conversations can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still recovering physically and emotionally from the accident. The insurance company may seem helpful, offering you a settlement that appears fair at first glance. However, rushing into accepting a settlement offer without consulting legal representation could cost you much more than you think in the long run.
Insurance companies often work quickly to offer settlements to injury victims. Their goal is to minimize the payout and protect their bottom line, not to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. When you’re still dealing with the aftermath of an injury—whether it’s medical appointments, therapy, or simply trying to regain your quality of life—it’s easy to be tempted by the first settlement offer. After all, the prospect of receiving money quickly can relieve some of the financial strain that comes with missed work or medical bills.
However, the initial settlement amount is rarely a reflection of your full losses. Insurance companies are banking on the fact that you may not fully understand the scope of your damages or the future impact your injury may have on your life. By settling too early, you risk shortchanging yourself, especially if unforeseen complications arise in the future.
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing risk, which often means minimizing payouts. Their representatives are skilled negotiators who have one goal: to protect their employer’s profits. Here are some common strategies they use to do that:
This is where having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference.
A skilled personal injury attorney does more than just negotiate on your behalf—they ensure that your settlement accurately reflects all of your losses, both immediate and future. Here are some key ways an attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve:
Most injury victims don’t immediately understand the full range of compensation they are entitled to. A personal injury lawyer will carefully assess your case, taking into account medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, and any long-term impact on your ability to work or enjoy life. They will work with experts, such as doctors or financial planners, to quantify your losses and ensure that the settlement covers everything.
Insurance companies are known for offering low settlements, but they also know when they are up against an experienced lawyer who understands the tactics they use. With a strong attorney on your side, you have a better chance of negotiating a settlement that is fair and comprehensive. Your lawyer will handle communications with the insurance company, ensuring that you don’t unintentionally damage your claim by saying the wrong thing.
In many cases, insurance companies will try to deny liability or suggest that the victim was partially at fault. An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence to prove liability. This might involve collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and even accident reconstruction if necessary. By building a strong case, your lawyer can force the insurance company to take your claim seriously.
Personal injury victims who try to handle their claims without legal representation may fall into traps set by the insurance company. For example, insurance adjusters might pressure you to sign documents or give recorded statements that could harm your case. An attorney will ensure that you avoid these common mistakes and that your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
While most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, there are instances where insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement. In these situations, a personal injury attorney will not hesitate to take your case to trial. The possibility of a lawsuit often pushes insurance companies to settle because they know that a court verdict could result in a much larger payout.
The difference between accepting a low settlement offer and pursuing full compensation with the help of an attorney can be dramatic. For example, let’s say you’ve been in a car accident and sustained neck and back injuries. The insurance company offers you a quick settlement of $10,000 to cover your medical bills and lost wages. At first glance, this may seem like a good deal.
However, with legal counsel, it’s possible to discover that your injuries require ongoing physical therapy, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars over the next year. Additionally, your injuries may prevent you from working full-time, affecting your income for months or even years. By working with a personal injury attorney, you could negotiate a settlement that takes all of these future expenses into account, resulting in a much larger compensation package that actually meets your long-term needs.
Gregg A. Wisotsky and his team understands how overwhelming the aftermath of a personal injury can be. We have spent years helping New Jersey residents navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, ensuring that their rights are protected and their settlements reflect the full scope of their damages. Our team conducts a thorough investigation of every case, building a strong claim to maximize your compensation.
Whether you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall, or are dealing with the wrongful death of a loved one, we will fight to ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your losses. We’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in settlements and judgments, and we are always prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t let the insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Contact Gregg A. Wisotsky, Esq. today for a free phone consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you toward the best path forward.