After you are involved in an accident and sustain an injury or damages, one of the first steps you take is often filing a claim with either your own or the at-fault party’s insurance company. Whether your damages are the result of a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace accident, many people wonder whether they should hire a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company or if they can handle it on their own. While it is not mandatory to have legal representation during settlement negotiations, hiring a lawyer can provide significant benefits. Read on and speak with a Bergen County injury lawyer to discuss your situation and legal options today.
Do I Need to Hire Representation?
Technically, no, you do not need to hire a lawyer or any legal representation when dealing with an insurance company. You are legally allowed to file a claim, negotiate your settlement, and even represent yourself in court if it comes to that.
Many people choose to forgo legal representation in an effort to avoid legal fees or because their damages were minor and they feel comfortable managing the process by themselves. However, this is not generally recommended.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Negotiate With Insurance Company?
Insurance companies are supposed to be helpful and offer financial protection in times of need. While this is sometimes true, at the end of the day an insurance company is a business whose main priority is turning a profit. When you file a claim, the insurance adjuster’s goal is to pay out as little as possible. Without a legal background, it can be difficult for an injured party to understand the full value of their claim and avoid the tactics often used by insurance companies to get people to accept lowball offers.
Your lawyer can do the following and more during insurance negotiations.
- Accurately interpret legal jargon and policy language
- Identify and counter bad faith practices
- Challenge unfair claim denials
- Accurately evaluate the value of your claim
- Ensure you meet all deadlines
- Ensure you do not accidentally admit fault
- Counter lowball offers with evidence and effective arguments
- Skillfully negotiate for a higher settlement
- Represent you if your case goes to court
One of the main reasons people choose to represent themselves is in an effort to save money. However, the lawyers at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any upfront fees and payment is based on a percentage of the settlement you receive.
Individuals who are represented by legal professionals generally walk away with higher settlement amounts than those who do not. Let a skilled attorney fight for you to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
