Talk to a Baltimore County Car Accident Lawyer Instead
The aftermath of an auto accident is chaotic and horrific if you suffered injuries in the collision. You’re in pain and possibly unable to work, and the responsible party’s insurer may also be contacting you to discuss the incident. An agent may try to persuade you to settle your case out of court, saying that an agreement is better than filing a lawsuit that can take years to resolve. However, an insurance company doesn’t have your best interests in mind. There are a few reasons you should consult with a Baltimore County car accident attorney rather than work with an insurer to recover your losses.
Insurance Companies Are Businesses First
Just like any other company, an insurer is in the business of making money. They don’t turn a profit by paying out large settlement sums to car accident victim like you. Instead, insurance companies will try to get you to agree to a low settlement agreement so they can protect their bottom line. A knowledgeable car accident attorney puts your interests first and will work to get the highest amount possible to compensate you for your injuries.
Insurance Adjusters & Their Legal Departments Won’t Act in Your Best Interests
Employees of insurers, including agents and their lawyers, work for the company. When they contact you and attempt to settle, they are only doing their job to further the company’s interests in making a profit. Hiring a lawyer with experience in settlement negotiations gives you an advantage as compared to representing yourself because he or she has your best interests in mind.
You Risk Under-Compensation for Your Losses
An insurance agent may make a very tempting monetary offer to settle your case out of court, telling you to accept because litigation is a long-term hassle. Without a legal background, you don’t know what your case is worth, so you won’t know whether the amount is sufficient to fully compensate you for your losses. Any settlement offer you consider should be enough to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any lost wages if you miss work. An auto accident lawyer will take all these factors into account to make sure you’re not under-compensated.
You Could Lose Your Right to Sue Forever
In Maryland, the law states that you must file a lawsuit within three years of a car accident or you’re forever barred. Insurance companies know the legal issues involved with this “Statute of Limitations,” and may try to delay settlement. You risk losing your right to sue if you let insurance agents draw out settlement discussions. If you have a lawyer acting on your behalf, he or she will not waste time with unproductive negotiations. Your attorney will file a lawsuit when it becomes obvious that the insurance company is engaging in stall tactics.
Insurance companies that contact you after an auto accident may seem like they’re trying to help you recover losses, but these agents work for the company – not you. An experienced personal injury attorney will protect your legal rights and help you obtain the full amount of compensation under the law. For more information on car accident cases, contact Baltimore County lawyer Michael A. Freedman to schedule a free consultation.
See Related Blog Posts:
What Baltimore County Drivers Should Say to Insurance Companies
