Dealing with an insurance company, whether it be your own or the at-fault party, can be a daunting task under the best of circumstances. There can be disagreements regarding liability itself, reimbursement for medical expenses, property damage, and, under certain circumstances, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
The insurance companies have a myriad of resources at their disposal. Adjusters are well versed in the nuances of the law regarding the type of insurance under which the claim is being made. The adjuster has considerable experience in the claims process. While an injured party may deal with the claims process a few times over their lifetime, insurance adjusters process thousands of claims per year. The adjuster will use their knowledge and experience to their advantage when dealing with an unrepresented claimant.
Most insurance companies utilize a software program known as Colossus to place a value on your claim. This program does not take into consideration any personal or unique aspects of your circumstance, but merely evaluates the claim based on your injuries, modalities of treatment, geographic area where the loss occurred, and average settlement/judgment amounts in that area.
The insurance company’s goal is to pay as little as possible for a claim. They may value your claim at a specific dollar range and attempt to settle the claim at the low end. Often insurance companies pay bonuses or provide other incentives to their adjusters who settle their assigned claims at the low end of the dollar range. In short, adjusters have a vested interest in undervaluing your claim.
To level the field and give your claim the best possible chance for a favorable outcome, one should employ the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. Such an attorney will be versed in the tactics used by the insurance company. Your attorney will acquire critical information, such as policy limits information, in order to properly access the value of your claim. An attorney can determine if the at-fault party has assets that can be used to satisfy a judgment should the case proceed to litigation.
Choosing the right attorney is an essential part of the process. As in every important decision in life, the choice of a personal injury attorney should be undertaken with careful consideration as to the experience and skill of the prospective attorney. Ask your friends and family if they have, or know someone who has, utilized the services of a personal injury attorney. Ask them to share their experiences and if they would recommend that attorney.
We at The Watson Firm take great pride in the satisfaction rating we receive from former clients. We strive to treat our clients as though they are family. We will always provide you with an honest assessment of your claim. You will meet with an attorney at your intake appointment and during crucial points in your claim. Your claim will be assigned to an experienced case manager who will be available for any questions as your claim progresses. Finally, insurance companies know which firms take claims to trial and those that don’t. The Watson Firm has a reputation built on results earned for our clients in litigation. If you are injured and want to ensure your case will be given the priority it deserves, contact The Watson Firm.