When you’re injured in an auto accident, it’s important to consult a personal injury attorney, even if you don’t want to file a lawsuit. A personal injury attorney has the knowledge and experience to manage your insurance claims. As your legal representative, your attorney can perform a variety of vital services on your behalf without presenting your case in a courtroom.
- Investigate your accident
- Analyze the liability issues
- Evaluate your injuries
- Present a demand to the liability insurance company
- Negotiate on your behalf
Of course, you could try to do these things yourself, but consider these critical reasons why you shouldn’t.
Complex Liability Problems
When an attorney handles your claim, they investigate the facts, research the laws, and review liability concerns you might not even know about. For example, if you were speeding just before the accident, you might believe you’re responsible for your own injuries. That’s not necessarily true. Minnesota law recognizes that an accident is often the result of shared liability. Despite your actions, if the other person also committed a negligent act, you might still be entitled to an injury settlement.
Personal Injury Protection Thresholds
You may have a valid claim against the driver who caused your injuries but only under certain circumstances. Under Minnesota’s Personal Injury Protection statute, your own insurance policy must cover PIP Benefits: medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services. You have no legal right to make a claim against another driver until you meet one of these injury thresholds:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent injury
- Disability for 60+ days
- Death
- Medical treatment ( excluding diagnostic expenses) in excess of $4,000.
Insurance Company Investigations
If you’re injured in an accident, an insurance company adjuster may show up at your door asking a lot of questions. They often seek to record your responses for their investigation. If you’re in pain or taking medication, it could impair your memory and judgment causing inaccurate answers. Your responses could jeopardize your liability position and reduce your chances of receiving a settlement.
Insurance Adjuster Uncertainties
When you’re talking to a liability adjuster, it’s easy to forget that they represent the other guy. Adjusters are often a little pushy but usually friendly and agreeable. They come across as trustworthy and honest because it encourages you to give them the information they want. Whatever you tell them becomes a part of their investigation. Any doubts or contradictions you express can become talking points used to diminish your claim value during negotiations. Also, when an adjuster has gained your trust, you are more likely to accept a low offer.
Concentrating on Your Recovery
Getting back to normal after sustaining a serious injury requires dedication on your part. You must follow-up regularly with your doctor, maintain a physical therapy schedule, and get the rest you need for proper healing. Even if you’re familiar with complicated liability and damage concerns, physical restrictions and medications may limit your ability to work through the issues. When you’re injured, it’s important to focus on your recovery. While you’re working hard to get well, your personal injury attorney will work hard to resolve your claims with the insurance company.
Attorneys Offer Knowledge and Experience
Liability insurance adjusters understand that you might not know liability issues, legal rights, and injury values. When you choose to represent yourself, they might deny their insured’s liability exposure, undervalue your claim, or offer you a low settlement. Insurance companies can’t get away with these tactics when you’re represented by a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. They understand that an experienced attorney will try to negotiate a fair settlement, but will file a lawsuit if necessary.
Contact us if you’re injured in an auto accident. Our personal injury attorneys will work with you from the initial consultation through the final resolution of your claim. We will protect your legal rights, present your claim to the insurance company and do our best to get you a fair settlement.