After a car accident, one of the first calls you’ll receive is from the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They’ll be friendly, sympathetic, and eager to “help” you resolve your claim quickly. They might even offer you a quick settlement.
It can be tempting to accept their offer and put the whole ordeal behind you. But this is a critical mistake. The insurance adjuster is not your friend. They are a trained negotiator whose job is to protect the insurance company’s profits by paying you as little as possible.
Anything you say to them can and will be used against you. This is where a car accident lawyer comes in. Your lawyer is your advocate, your protector, and your champion. Here’s why you need a lawyer in your corner when dealing with an insurance adjuster.
The Insurance Adjuster’s Playbook
Insurance adjusters have a playbook of tactics they use to devalue your claim. Here are some of the most common:
- The Recorded Statement: The adjuster will ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. This may seem harmless, but they are looking for any inconsistencies or admissions of fault that they can use to deny your claim. A lawyer will advise you not to give a recorded statement and will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
- The Quick Settlement Offer: The adjuster may offer you a quick settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. This may seem like a good deal, but it is almost always a lowball offer that will not cover your future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer will advise you to wait until you have reached maximum medical improvement before even considering a settlement.
- The Blame Game: The adjuster will look for any reason to blame you for the accident, even if it’s clear the other driver was at fault. They may try to twist your words or misinterpret the evidence to argue that you were partially responsible. A lawyer will gather all the evidence and build a strong case to prove the other driver’s negligence.
Your Lawyer: Your Shield and Your Sword
A car accident lawyer is your shield against the insurance company’s tactics and your sword in the fight for fair compensation. Here’s what your lawyer will do for you:
- Handle All Communications: Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company, so you don’t have to. This protects you from saying something that could hurt your case and allows you to focus on your recovery.
- Investigate Your Case: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, gathering all the evidence, including the police report, witness statements, and medical records.
- Accurately Value Your Claim: Your lawyer will work with medical and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim, including your future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate a Fair Settlement: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, using their experience and knowledge of the law to get you the best possible settlement.
- Take Your Case to Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in court.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
A: It is best to avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted with a lawyer. They are not on your side and will use anything you say against you.
Q: The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
A: You should never accept a settlement offer without first speaking to a lawyer. It is likely a lowball offer that will not cover all of your damages.
Q: How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
A: At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you.
Don’t Face the Insurance Company Alone. Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer Today.
The insurance company has a team of professionals working to protect its interests. You should, too. The experienced and dedicated attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler are here to level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve. We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm.
When you’re ready, contact us online or call us at 608-784-4370 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us deal with the insurance company so you can focus on getting better.