5 Risks of Trying to Deal Directly with the Insurance Companies After an Accident

If you were recently injured in a car accident, you may be thinking about trying to deal with the insurance companies on your own. If so, there are probably a few reasons why:

• The insurance companies have contacted you already, and it seems easiest to just continue to work with them directly;
• You are concerned about the costs of hiring a Billings car accident attorney; and/or,
• You assume that “you are owed what you are owed,” and the insurance companies will treat you fairly.

Unfortunately, for most people, not seeking legal representation after a car accident is a mistake. Here are just some of the reasons why:

1. The Insurance Companies Will Not Treat You Fairly.

First and foremost, insurance companies will not treat you fairly. No matter how friendly and helpful the adjusters may seem, they get paid to make sure you get paid as little as possible. The insurance companies are not required to explain your rights, and they do not need to have a detailed understanding of what happened. They will find any excuse to reduce, delay, or deny your claim for compensation, and they will likely try to use your own words against you.

2. You Don’t Yet Know the Full Extent of Your Losses.

If an insurance company offers you a quick settlement, it isn’t because the insurance company wants to make sure you can pay your bills. A quick settlement offer usually means (i) you are entitled to significant compensation, and (ii) the insurance company wants to settle before you understand the true costs of your accident-related injuries. The insurance company is liable for your past and future losses, and you need to know how to calculate these losses in order to protect your rights.

3. If You Settle Too Soon, Your Case Will Be Over.

If you accept a quick insurance settlement, your case will be over. In order to receive your check, you will be required to sign a document which states that you will not seek any additional compensation – even if you later discover that you are entitled to more.

4. You May Be Entitled to Compensation from Additional Sources.

While most car accidents are the result of driver error, there are several other potential causes as well. For example, maybe one of your tires was defective. Or maybe the other driver’s vehicle recently received a faulty brake job. If you do not discuss your rights with a Billings car accident attorney, you will not know what other sources of compensation you may have available.

5. The Insurance Companies Know You Won’t Take them to Trial.

If you do not hire an attorney, the insurance companies know you won’t take them to trial. As a result, they have less incentive to pay the full compensation you deserve. Hiring a lawyer shows the insurance companies you are serious about protecting your rights, and it gives you the strength you need to negotiate for maximum compensation.

Contact a Billings Car Accident Attorney at Ragain & Clark Today

At Ragain & Clark, PC, we provide free consultations for car accident claims in Montana, and we do not charge any fees unless we help you win just compensation. To speak with an experienced Billings car accident attorney in confidence, please call 406-651-8888 or tell us what happened online today.