Picture this scenario. You are planning to sue the at-fault party for your personal injury. The insurance company contacts you and tells you that they are willing to accept liability and settle the case. You decide against hiring a Houston personal injury attorney and choose to handle the case yourself. After all, the at-fault party has already accepted liability and it is only a question of negotiating a settlement.
Sounds pretty simple, right? Except it is not! Here are three reasons why you should never deal with the insurance company by yourself.
1. The Insurance Company is Not on Your Side
The insurance company – no matter how reasonable and friendly they might seem – is not on your side. Like any other business, they exist only to serve their own purposes. So, even if they accept liability, they will still do everything they can to minimize the value of your claim. This is why it is always prudent to let an experienced Houston personal injury attorney to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
2. They Will Try to Rush You
One of the tactics that insurance companies use to take advantage of unsuspecting injury victims is to make a lowball offer, tell them that it is only available for a limited period of time, and pressure them into accepting it. Remember – you have two years (starting from the date on which the accident happened) to file a claim against the at-fault party.
So, the pressure tactics used by insurance companies are just that – pressure tactics. An insurance company knows that if you decide to file a lawsuit with the help of a Houston personal injury attorney it might have to pay substantial damages. It is why insurance companies generally try to talk you out of hiring an attorney and force you into accepting their offers.
3. They Will Blame You for Your Injuries
Insurance companies know that if you are not represented by a competent Houston personal injury attorney, you probably will not be able to gather the evidence needed to prove the at-fault party’s culpability. So, they will do everything in their capacity to blame you for the accident and try to reduce the value of your claim as much as possible.
Remember – Texas follows a modified version of the comparative negligence law, under which your damages can be reduced if you are found to be at fault for your own injuries. For instance, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 25%.
Under the same law, if the insurance company can prove that you were at 51% at fault for your own injuries, they are not required to pay any compensation whatsoever. And make no mistake about it – they will try to do it.
Looking for a Trustworthy Houston Personal Injury Attorney Who Can Deliver the Results You Want?
Dealing with insurance adjusters by yourself is not wise, especially if you are demanding a substantial compensation from the at-fault party. Attorney Dana G. Kirk can determine the value of your claim, deal with the insurance company, and make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our Houston personal injury attorneys.
