What are the risks if you settle a personal injury case on your own? What is the difference in outcome between those who have an attorney and those who choose to represent themselves in personal injury claims?
Before we begin, if you have been involved in any motor vehicle collision, no matter how minor, you should always be examined by a trauma physician within 24 to 48 hours. “But the accident was only minor and I felt ok…” There are many injuries which occur in relatively minor accidents which can take days, weeks or even months to show symptoms. If you don’t see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours of the accident you will not be able to file a viable personal injury claim down the road.
It is important to understand the insurance company and their adjusters and attorneys you will be dealing with as well as a little about their tactics. The first person who will attempt to contact you after you are injured in a car accident or motor vehicle collision is the insurance adjuster for the responsible insurance company. This person will seem very friendly and will attempt to convince you they are only concerned with your best interests and will do everything possible to ensure you receive a fast settlement for the highest possible amount.
The truth is unfortunately quite the opposite. Insurance adjusters have one job: Get you to settle your case as quickly as possible for the lowest amount possible.
They are highly trained, highly skilled negotiators who ask seemingly open and straight forward questions like “how are you feeling?” or “Can you give me a brief statement in your own words about the accident?” They will use everything you say, as well as any social media post against you to reduce the value of your claim or reject it entirely.
The insurance company representatives will attempt to convince you the value of your case is much lower than provided for under California law. They will try to base your claim primarily upon the amount of your medical bills. The amount of the medical bills is only one small portion of a comprehensive personal injury settlement.
Should you attempt to settle a personal injury case on your own? Never. Why? A recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows that insurance payouts were much higher when the injured party was represented by a lawyer. This study also showed those who were represented by an attorney received 40% more on average in their settlements than those who didn’t have a lawyer. A separate report by the IRC unexpectedly shows 85% of all settlements paid by the insurance companies for personal injuries in that study were paid to those who were represented by attorneys.
Only 15% of all personal injury settlement monies were paid to those who attempted to settle their own case. This means those who represent themselves in personal injury claims do not receive the full and fair value of their claim. The insurance company wants you to handle this on your own. It’s simply not in your best interest.
What are the risks if you settle a personal injury case on your own without the representation of the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Law Firm of Rivers Morrell? The simple answer is money and hassle, and a lot of both. We always achieve better results on behalf of our clients than the original insurance offer in the cases we represent. We aggressively pursue the maximum, full and fair compensation our clients deserve. We also eliminate all the hassle of working with the insurance company, doctors, the police and the Court.
We invite you to review the recommendations of former clients and the legal industry and contact us or call (949)305-1400 for a free consultation today.
