Behind nearly every accident there is an insurance company. Whether it is a car accident case or slip and fall, if the at-fault party is insured, the injured party will likely have to deal with an insurance company.
Shortly after your accident, you may receive phone calls from a representative of an insurance company (also called adjusters). The sole function of the insurance adjuster is to protect the interests of the insurance company and its insured. After an accident, the adjuster may request that you give a recorded statement. Keep in mind that the recorded statement is considered legal evidence and can be used against you in court. It is essential that you consult with a lawyer before giving any comments to an insurance company.
In other scenarios, the insurance adjuster may show up at your home to “write you a check” after your accident. Keep in mind that insurance companies rarely give away money without something in return. In most cases, before a check is ever written to compensate you, the adjuster will require that you sign a settlement release that releases the insurance company and its insured from any further payments to you. A release agreement also prevents you from making any additional claims or filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
In some cases, the insurance company will include settlement and release language on the actual settlement check itself. As soon as you sign to endorse the check, you simultaneously sign to end your claim. It is never a good idea to talk to an insurance adjuster before consulting with your lawyer.
Just as the insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company, your personal injury lawyer’s duty is to protect your interests. Before giving any statements or signing documents, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer in Pensacola or Fort Walton to discuss your legal rights.
At the Watson Firm, PLLC we will review your case and answer all of your legal questions without any obligation or cost. If you decide to hire us, our services are 100% free unless we win your personal injury or car accident case. If we are successful in recovering money on your behalf, our attorney's fee is 33 1/3% of your settlement amount (this is also called a “contingency fee”), plus reimbursement of our costs for copies, postage, medical records, etc. For example, if the Watson Firm recovers $100.00 on your behalf, the attorney's fee would be $33.33 plus reimbursement of the costs incurred in handling your case.
You can reach the personal injury attorneys at The Watson Firm twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Watson Firm has a team of dedicated professionals here to assist you with your personal injury cases. Our team consists of attorneys, investigators paralegals, and case managers who work as a team to win your personal injury case. We pride ourselves on giving individual attention to every client. Call us today for a free consultation.