Birmingham is a vibrant city located in Alabama. It is home to a mix of industries like healthcare and finance. However, like any bustling city, accidents can happen here as well.
When it happens, personal injury (PI) claims become crucial for victims to recover compensation for their losses. This is where personal injury attorneys in Birmingham come in. They help individuals deal with the complexities of compensation claims.
What many people don’t realize is that insurance companies have strategies to limit or deny settlements. Understanding what they don’t want you to be aware of can assist in securing the justice you deserve and holding the liable party accountable.
Here are the things that insurance companies don’t want you to know.
They Will Downplay Your Injuries
Insurance companies always try to reduce settlements. One of the ways they do this is by downplaying the severity of your injuries. After an accident, they will approach you, talk nicely, and offer you a quick settlement before you fully understand the long-term effects of your injuries.
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But they do this purposefully, not because they care for you. A lawyer can assess all aspects of injuries and consider both physical and emotional losses to calculate your compensation.
Your Statement Can Hurt Your Case
Many insurance companies don’t want you to know that your statements can hurt your case. They will call you after an accident for a statement about the incident. They may be friendly, but everything will be recorded.
Even a small statement saying “I should have also been more careful” or “I am fine” can be used against you. Attorneys usually don’t want you to give statements without their knowledge to protect you from insurance adjusters’ strategies.
They Will Try to Blame You for the Accident
In some cases, insurance companies may shift the blame partially on you even if you were not at fault. It is referred to as comparative negligence, which allows them to somehow reduce the amount they owe you to compensate for the accident.
For example, they may argue that you were speeding or distracted, put 50% of the blame on you, and reduce 50% of the settlement compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you fight against these unfair tactics by submitting proper evidence.
They’ll Delay Your Claim to Wear You Down
Another tactic insurance companies use, but they don’t want you to know, is intentionally delaying the claims process. They may repeatedly ask you for excessive documentation and drag out the investigation process.
The goal is to wear you down mentally and financially. So, you will be more likely to accept a lower settlement offer. But with the help of a lawyer, you can hold the insurance companies accountable for unnecessary delays.
They Prefer You Handle the Claim Without Legal Help
The most terrible tactic insurance companies use is trying to make you handle your claim alone without the help of a lawyer. They may seem professional, but they won’t help you know the different types of damages, long-term effects, and exact settlement amounts for your injuries.
A personal injury lawyer will be more experienced in handling these tactics, so the insurance company doesn’t want you to have a lawyer by your side. But don’t fall for their words; hire a personal injury lawyer to get fair compensation.
Conclusion
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is stressful. It is even more stressful to handle the insurance company. By understanding their strategies and working with a personal injury lawyer, you can protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Don’t allow insurance companies to take unfair advantage of the claims process. Take control of your claim and seek assistance from a lawyer.