Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over the well-being of their policyholders, denying or minimizing legitimate claims to save money. It is important to have a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney on your side to fight against the tactics of insurance companies and protect your rights.
The Role of the Insurance Company in Determining Your Settlement Value
Before your case reaches trial, and probably shortly after your accident, you will likely receive a call from the defendant’s insurance company offering you an initial settlement value. By refusing this offer and hiring a New York auto accident attorney at the Bulldog Law Group to work on your case, the insurance company will typically continually increase its offer, hoping that you’ll settle before a trial. Some of the factors that the insurance company will look at when determining each settlement offer include the following:
- The location of the accident
- Medical records confirming your injuries
- The severity of the accident
- Lost wages and future lost wages resulting from your injuries
It’s important to note that insurance companies typically do not take pain and suffering into account when determining pre-trial settlement offers, since these factors are usually quite subjective. In most cases, insurance companies use software as opposed to actual human logic to calculate these factors, which is why subjective factors are difficult to weigh. This is where it truly pays to have a skilled and compassionate lawyer in New York who will explain your pain and suffering from a car crash to a jury in a way that they can understand and sympathize with.
Pros and Cons of Settling a New York Auto Accident Case
Victims will typically choose to settle their case if the offer they receive from the insurance company is enough to cover the damages owed to them. However, victims should under no circumstances settle their case without the input of a professional auto injury attorney. Usually, insurance companies will offer victims an amount significantly less than what the victim is entitled to receive. Once a settlement is reached, the victim is extremely unlikely to receive any other compensation after the case is settled. There are certain laws in place that prevent double recovery, so consult with an attorney at the Bulldog Law Group before accepting any offer.
Call for a Consultation Today
At the Bulldog Law Group, New York’s premier personal injury firm, we understand the challenges that come with recovering from an accident. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards getting your life back on track.