There are some commonly-held myths about personal injury claims that sometimes persuade people to make decisions that are not in their best interests. Lack of understanding of the laws and process regarding personal injuries can result in incredibly costly mistakes. While obtaining an appropriate settlement for a minor injury can be relatively straightforward, it’s entirely different when the injury is serious. It’s like the difference between back-yard basketball and the NBA.
Some of these myths are listed below.
The insurance adjuster really understands and want to help me. Not true. He or she may be one of the nicest people on the planet, but if they want to keep their job, they need to settle every claim for as little as possible. The interests of the insurance company, their employer, come first.
The accident wasn’t my fault, so the company is obligated to pay for everything. Not true. The company’s focus is on paying no more than they must, regardless of who was at fault.
If the insurance company says that they need a recorded statement, they won’t settle unless they get one. Not true. The purpose of the statement is to use it against you later. They hope that you will say something damaging to your case.
The insurance company will offer a fair settlement. Not true. They will not make any settlement if they can find a way to do so. They might even suggest that they might make an offer during a conversation in the hopes of obtaining information. Think of it as a ‘the check is in the mail’ tactic. The settlement process is over when the check is in your bank account. When the injuries are extensive, the insurance company will bring out the ‘big guns’, their most experienced lawyers.
The insurance company will offer the same amount of money whether or not I have a lawyer. Not true. Even insurance company research shows that settlements received when the injured person has a lawyer are significantly larger. Even after lawyer’s fees are paid, the client still ends up with more money than they would have had without an Injury Attorney in Tuscaloosa or elsewhere.
Don’t be misled into making a costly mistake by one of these myths. After being injured because of another’s negligence, talk to an Injury Attorney in Tuscaloosa. Find out about how they could help you. You can get more information here.