Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Injury: Tips From a Personal Injury Attorney in Manitowoc, WI
When you're injured in an accident, dealing with insurance companies can feel overwhelming. While they may seem friendly, their goal is to pay you as little as possible. At Janssen Law, LLC, we’ve seen insurance companies use various tactics to minimize payouts for injury victims in Manitowoc, WI. Understanding these strategies can help you protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
In this blog post, you will learn how to effectively handle insurance companies after an injury and why having a trusted personal injury attorney is vital.
Common Insurance Tactics to Reduce Your Payout
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. Here are some common ways they might try to undervalue or deny your claim:
- Quick Settlement Offers: They may offer a low settlement right away, hoping you’ll accept before realizing the full extent of your injuries.
- Requesting a Recorded Statement: They’ll ask for a recorded statement, looking for inconsistencies they can use against you.
- Disputing Medical Treatment: They may claim your injuries are unrelated to the accident or that you’re exaggerating your pain.
- Delaying the Process: By dragging out your claim, they hope you’ll get frustrated and accept a lower offer.
What to Say (and Not Say) to Insurance Adjusters
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, it's crucial to be cautious. Here are some essential tips:
What to Say:
- Keep your answers brief and stick to basic facts (date, time, and location of the accident).
- If asked about injuries, say you are still receiving treatment—some symptoms take time to appear.
- Refer them to your personal injury attorney if they press for details.
What Not to Say:
- Never admit fault, even partially. They may use it to reduce or deny your claim.
- Avoid phrases like “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad”—these can be used to downplay your injuries.
- Don’t agree to a recorded statement without legal advice.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Handling insurance claims alone can be overwhelming and may result in a much smaller payout than you deserve. Here’s why hiring a personal injury attorney in Manitowoc, WI, is beneficial:
- Experience and Knowledge: An attorney understands the law, knows common tactics used by insurance companies, and can anticipate potential obstacles.
- Objectivity: You’re injured and possibly emotional; an attorney can provide the calm, calculating approach needed to negotiate effectively.
- Maximizing Compensation: Lawyers know how to quantify your pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages to ensure you get a fair settlement.
- Representation in Court: If negotiations fail, an attorney can take your case to court and vigorously advocate on your behalf.
Let Janssen Law, LLC Fight for You
If you’re struggling with an injury and facing the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, don’t go it alone. At Janssen Law, LLC, we’re committed to helping the residents of Manitowoc, WI, navigate these challenging situations. With over 30 years of personal injury and workers’ compensation experience, we are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today at (920) 425-4844 to schedule your free consultation.
