Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Why Legal Support Matters

A personal injury claim process with insurance companies might seem manageable, but it can be one of the most frustrating times in a person's life. We must first acknowledge that their priority is to protect their bottom line—not ensure fair compensation for victims. Why is this important to know? Understanding how insurance works in personal injury cases helps you avoid common pitfalls and strengthens your ability to negotiate a fair settlement. In this article, we'll break down how insurance works in personal injury cases, the tactics adjusters use, and the importance of having legal representation.

The Role of Insurance Companies in Personal Injury Claims

Dealing with insurance after an accident can be a nightmare. Consider this example: You're injured at a hardware store while pulling a heavy item off a shelf. Unfortunately, the item was not properly secured in its packaging, allowing it to slip out mid-air and causing you to fall, with other heavy items tumbling down on you. You decide to file a personal injury claim, prompting the store's insurance company to investigate the incident.

Now, let's walk through the steps the insurance company will take. First, they conduct an investigation, which usually involves collecting statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and obtaining medical records to assess liability. Next, they evaluate damages, estimating losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Finally, they make a settlement offer—often a low initial amount to resolve the claim quickly and for the least cost.

Insurance adjusters are hired to protect the insurer's interests by minimizing payouts. They investigate the incident, speak to witnesses, and review records to reduce liability. Settlement offers are typically low and designed to close cases quickly. Adjusters may also use pressure tactics, such as pushing victims to accept a settlement before fully understanding their injuries, which often results in inadequate compensation for long-term expenses.

Why Rejecting the First Settlement Offer Matters

Negotiating with insurance companies is not something you want to do by yourself. Declining a settlement offer is often a wise choice because early offers rarely account for ongoing or future expenses, such as physical therapy or lost earning potential. Insurance companies count on victims' financial stress to close cases cheaply, but accepting too soon can prevent you from seeking additional compensation later.

Let's go back to the scenario we used above. Imagine the incident from the hardware store results in you injuring your hands. Such an accident can have serious consequences, particularly if your job involves using your hands. For example, if you sprained your wrist or ended up with broken fingers, your ability to perform necessary tasks at work may be limited, directly impacting your income. The extent of your recovery could depend on how your physical therapy progresses, and your time off work may be longer than you originally anticipated. Personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling such cases, working closely with victims to build strong claims that account for both immediate and future losses.

Keep in mind that going back and forth with insurance companies is like taking on a part-time job—it's time-consuming, frustrating, and requires skill and patience. Negotiating with insurance companies involves extensive paperwork, constant follow-ups, and a deep understanding of personal injury laws. That's why most people hire legal professionals to handle negotiations, allowing them to focus on their recovery.

Injured in an Accident in North Hollywood or Los Angeles?

If you've been injured in an accident and need legal advice, contact Yepremyan Law Firm to speak with a personal injury attorney in North Hollywood. Working with a trusted law firm is essential for navigating insurance negotiations. Our seasoned attorneys are familiar with insurance tactics and can secure a better outcome than victims can achieve on their own. Our firm can handle negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence to support your claim, and pursuing litigation if necessary.

As an established personal injury law firm in North Hollywood, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars. Book your consultation with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles or North Hollywood and let us know how we can help.

Yepremyan Law Firm works on a contingency basis for all personal injury matters—no recovery, no fee.

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