Should I try to settle with the other person’s insurance company?

Insurance companies prefer to settle the case without an attorney because they pay you far less. Individuals alone do not know how much they are entitled to or all the damages recoverable. If you, a family member, or one of your passengers, has suffered any automobile personal injury, or even if there is a possibility that someone will claim an injury, it is generally NOT wise to deal with the other side's insurance company. In such cases you certainly should not settle your claim without speaking to a lawyer who practices accident or personal injury law.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

Do you know the full extent of your injuries, or might there be some late developing symptoms? Do you know how long the effects of the injury may last? Do you know how difficult the recovery process might be? Do you know what therapy may be needed, or what it will cost? Are you sure you understand what the long term impact of your accident or injury might be on your ability to earn a living, enjoy recreational activities, play sports, do household chores, and so forth? Do you understand what is customarily awarded for the "pain and suffering" you went through, and the loss of companionship and the extra care your family members provided? Do you know how much income you might lose, regardless of any disability insurance you have, not just in terms of the time you are out of work, but afterwards? Do you know how much of what the other side's insurance company might pay you will have to be paid over by you to your own auto or health insurance company, or union or employer health plan, to reimburse them for the expenses they paid on your behalf? Do you know how much money is traditionally recoverable by persons who are similarly injured who have legal representation?

Although you may have the answers to these questions, the person from the other side's insurance company knows the answers real well, and the other side's insurance company or adjuster will never tell you, or never tell you the truth. You would be negotiating in the blind, without any idea of what you may be entitled to recover. And anything you say to the other side's insurance company would be marked down and recorded and used against you in terms of the other side's negotiating strategy and in trial if it ever got that far. In all automobile accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to investigate all possible insurance coverage that is applicable, preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call Beltz & Ruth now at 1-800-BeltzRuth (1-800-931-4369) or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.