If you’re unsure whether to hire a lawyer for your insurance claim, keep reading for some tips. Hiring a lawyer is a statement of intent. It signals to an insurance company that you are serious about your claim and can help speed up the claims process.
While insurance companies are rarely in the business of engaging in expensive litigation, they may change their minds after learning that you hired an insurance claim lawyer.
Do not hire a lawyer if you have a minor injury
If you’ve been in a car accident and sustained a minor injury, you should not hire an attorney. Insurance companies are in business to make money, so their primary interest is to pay as little as possible on claims.
They actively work to minimize the amount of money they pay out for injuries, which is why they’ll devalue your claim. While you may not be feeling any obvious injuries, you should call the police immediately and get medical treatment as soon as possible.
If you’re injured in a minor car accident, you can file a police report and file an insurance claim. The insurance company for the other party may try to settle with you, offering you $500 for your troubles. Unfortunately, this amount won’t cover the costs of fixing your car and may not cover your injury. In this case, you’ll need an experienced car accident lawyer.
Pain and suffering damages
While it may be tempting to file your own injury claim without seeking the help of a lawyer, there are several advantages to hiring one. It may be easier for you to gather the necessary evidence on your own.
In addition to medical records, you’ll have access to supporting documentation to make your case stronger. Moreover, you’ll be better prepared to present the claim to the insurance company. The assistance of a personal injury lawyer is invaluable in maximizing your damages.
In addition to hiring a lawyer, you’ll have the benefit of a jury’s opinion. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, a jury can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Although an insurance adjuster can offer you a settlement that he thinks is reasonable, you can also choose to sue for pain and suffering damages to have a judge decide what’s fair. But keep in mind that your pain and suffering damages aren’t guaranteed and are contingent on your insurance company’s ability to pay.
Alternatives to litigation
A trial is not always necessary for an insurance claim. In such situations, it may be more cost-effective to pursue alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration, rather than a full trial.
Arbitration involves selecting a third party who will listen to the facts and issue a decision on the dispute resolution. In addition, a neutral third party can help the parties reach a settlement. Some types of arbitration include fast track, baseball, hi-low, summary jury trials, med-arb, and arb-med.
Arbitration can be a good alternative to litigation for many reasons. For instance, it can be more cost-effective, offer less hostility, and be confidential. Many private and public entities specialize in mediation and arbitration, including the American Arbitration Association.
Insurers increasingly use alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve disputes. These methods are designed to resolve claims and contractual disputes outside the courtroom, where a neutral third party can help achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
Because these methods are less formal than court proceedings, they can save both parties time and money. Most importantly, these methods allow disputing parties to avoid the expense and uncertainty of a trial. And they often have higher success rates than litigation.
