A personal injury can leave you with extensive medical bills and lost wages, forcing you to perform home modifications to meet your current physical limitations. These costs can easily run into the six figures, making legal recovery a necessity. While you are not required to hire an attorney, attempting to settle without one is never advised. With our experienced Harrisburg, PA, personal injury attorneys by your side, the insurance company will take your claim more seriously.
You May Say Something You Later Regret
When you call to notify your insurance company of an accident, the claims adjuster may ask for a recorded statement. You are not legally required to do so, and you should not provide one. At this point, you may be in shock, unaware of the full extent of your injuries. Although the request may seem innocent, the claims adjuster may use the recorded statement later to undermine your claim.
You May Provide Too Much Information
For insurance to have access to your medical records, you must sign a medical authorization form. A claims adjuster is not entitled to the entirety of your medical records, only the ones related to your personal injury. If you attempt to settle without an attorney, your insurer may ask you to sign a broad medical authorization form. Under no circumstances should you disclose your private health information. Insurance may use this information to blame your injuries on a pre-existing condition, not the accident itself.
Instead, you should only disclose health information within a specific date range. This will prevent insurance from denying liability. Nevertheless, you should not disclose any health information until you first speak with our personal injury team.
Insurance Will Try to Settle for Less
Without legal representation, the insurance company is sure to offer you lowball settlements, refusing to raise their offer. Even if you present the true value of your damages, including medical invoices, proof of lost income, and repair receipts, a claims adjuster may not budge. In short, attempting to settle without an attorney is bound to result in a less-than-ideal outcome.
You May Give Up Your Legal Rights
Once you agree to a settlement, you will be required to sign a release of liability form. This will prohibit you from further recovery, even if future damages arise. Having no legal guidance, you are likely to settle for far less than you deserve. The insurance company knows what they are getting away with, so they are sure to pressure you into signing the release of liability waiver.
You May Experience Further Distress
Being the plaintiff in a personal injury suit is challenging, but it is only compounded when you forgo representation. If you attempt to handle insurance negotiations on your own, you jeopardize your emotional and physical well-being by adding undue stress. Keep in mind that our personal injury lawyers will not be compensated unless you win, so you have nothing to lose by hiring counsel.
Injured? Contact Our Harrisburg, PA, Personal Injury Attorneys
Though you may be well-versed in the law, this is no match against insurance. There is no substitute for experienced representation, which is what you will get when you work with Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP. Our Harrisburg, PA, personal injury lawyers are aware of the hurdles that may arise, and we know exactly what to do. To discuss your legal options, contact us online or by calling (717) 229-6580. Offering free initial consultations.