Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer? The Truth Revealed

No. The insurance companies do not want you to get a personal injury lawyer. But Why? They want to deal directly with you and are hoping you don’t get a lawyer so they can get away with paying you less money or persuading you to go away with threats of raised insurance rates.

Unless you are an attorney specializing in car accidents and insurance claims day in and day out, you cannot possibly know all the laws and rules that apply to properly documenting and bring a personal injury claim.  The system is set up for insureds to be at a disadvantage, so you need a lawyer to help even the playing field.

The insurance companies have claim adjusters who will lie and tell you that if you hire a lawyer, it will only prolong your case or it will cause you to get less settlement in the long run. This its total B.S. Studies show that personal injury lawyers get clients on average 3X more than had they not hire a lawyer.  Dealing with an insurance claim is complicated. So many different rules are in play from your insurance policy, which is a contract, to the insurance statutes, to the rules of civil procedure and evidence, and even rule regarding liens and subrogation right for health insurers. In fact and injure victims can wind up owing more money than they settle for if they do not handle collecting and negating medical bills and liens correctly. They can also loose their health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid state or benefits.

If you try to save money on lawyer fees, it may cost yourself a lot more. First and foremost, personal injury lawyers are free to hire. Perkins Law works on a contingency fee. This means no upfront attorney fees and nothing comes out of your pocket directly. Personal injury and car accident lawyers only get paid if they recover money on your behalf. The fee comes from the insurance money they recover.

Second, you may be leaving a lot of money on the table. Lawyers get more money than self represented folks, that is a fact. Insurance companies love it when you don’t have a lawyer. They will mislead you and negotiate in bad faith without the threat of a lawsuit. Insurance companies offer to pay out a lot less if there is no attorney and they can also trick you or lull you into missing important deadlines you must comply with.

Third, many people think the insurance company works for them because they paid premiums for coverage. Folks who think they are in “good hands” or the carrier is “by your side” get a rude awakening when it comes time to make a claim. After an accident or loss, you expect your insurance company to have your back. But the reality is often far from it. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. They care about their stock holders not their policy holders.

So, do insurance companies want you to get a lawyer? The short answer is no. In fact, they’d prefer you handle the claim on your own. If you are insured then should you hire an insurance claim lawyer to protect your rights and access to court At Perkins Law Offices, thats’ what we do. Perkins Wins.

Do Insurance Companies Want You to Get a Lawyer?

Insurance companies intend on holding on to your money you pay for premiums and using that money for investments and growing their business. Then want to minimizing costs and payoffs. When you file a claim, their adjusters are trained to settle quickly and for as little as possible. Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field, ensuring your rights are protected and your claim is handled fairly. This is needed because the laws are already set up in a way that favors insurance companies. Each year it gets harder and harder.

Why Insurance Companies Prefer You Don’t Hire a Lawyer

1. They Want to Settle Quickly and Cheaply

Insurance adjusters often pressure claimants to accept lowball settlements. Without a lawyer, you may not realize the true value of your claim or the long-term costs of your injuries or damages.

2. They Use Complex Legal Jargon

Insurance policies are filled with complicated terms and exclusions. Without legal expertise, you might miss critical details that could affect your claim.

3. They Exploit Your Lack of Knowledge

Most people aren’t familiar with the claims process. Insurance companies take advantage of this by delaying payments, denying valid claims, or offering settlements that don’t cover your losses.

4. They Avoid Bad Faith Claims

When you have a lawyer, insurance companies are less likely to engage in bad faith practices, such as denying claims without justification or failing to investigate properly.

Do insurance companies want you to get a lawyer?

Do insurance companies want you to get a lawyer?

When Should You Hire an Insurance Claim Lawyer?

While not every claim requires legal representation, there are certain situations where hiring an insurance dispute lawyer is essential:

1. Your Claim Was Denied

If your insurance company denies your claim, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and fight for the compensation you deserve.

2. The Settlement Offer Is Too Low

Insurance companies often lowball claimants, hoping they’ll accept less than they’re entitled to. They may offer amounts that don’t even cover your medical bills or liens. Many injured victims accept a quick settlement thinking they can just pocket the money. However, they might owe money for hospital bills that come months later that were slow to be processed. They also may owe their health insurer money back because most Florida health policies require subrogation. For example, if you make a quick settlement for $10,000 with an auto insurance company for your injury, but your hospital bills was $50,000 reduced to $0 because your health insurer paid it, your health insurer has an automatic lien any money you get in a settlement. In this scenario, you may owe more than you got for the settlement.

3. The Claim Involves Significant Damages

For large or complex claims, such as those involving severe injuries or extensive property damage, a lawyer can ensure you receive full compensation. A personal injury lawyer will uncover theories of recovery and potential defendants. You wouldn’t operate on yourself if you weren’t a doctor would you? Same idea applies to law.

4. You Suspect Bad Faith Practices

If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith—such as delaying payments or refusing to communicate—a lawyer can hold them accountable.

Benefits of Hiring an Insurance Lawyer

Hiring an insurance claim lawyer offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Expert Negotiation: Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement.
  • Legal Knowledge: They understand the intricacies of insurance policies and state laws.
  • Peace of Mind: With a lawyer handling your claim, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
  • Higher Settlements: Studies show that claimants with lawyers often receive higher settlements than those without.

Common Tactics Insurance Companies Use

To protect their bottom line, insurance companies often employ tactics like:

  • Delaying Claims: Dragging out the process to pressure you into accepting a lower offer.
  • Denying Valid Claims: Using policy exclusions or technicalities to deny coverage.
  • Lowball Offers: Offering settlements that don’t cover your damages or future expenses.
  • Misleading Statements: Making false or misleading statements about your policy or claim.

FAQs About Hiring an Insurance Lawyer

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand when and why to hire an insurance claim lawyer:

1. Do I need a lawyer for an insurance claim?

While not every claim requires a lawyer, it’s wise to consult one if your claim is denied, the settlement offer is too low, or the case is complex.

2. How much does an insurance lawyer cost?

Most insurance claim lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. Fees typically range from 25% to 40% of the settlement.

3. Can I sue my insurance company?

Yes, if your insurance company acts in bad faith, you can file a lawsuit to hold them accountable and recover damages.

4. What should I look for in an insurance lawyer?

Choose a lawyer with experience handling insurance claims, a strong track record of success, and a commitment to client communication. Go their website and Google business listing for past client reviews and 5 star ratings.

5. How long does it take to resolve an insurance claim with a lawyer?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case. However, having a lawyer often speeds up the process by ensuring your claim is handled efficiently.

Why Choose Perkins Law Offices?

At Perkins Law Offices, our insurance dispute lawyers have decades of experience fighting for clients against insurance companies. We understand the tactics they use and know how to hold them accountable.

If you’re struggling with an insurance claim, don’t face the battle alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

For expert legal assistance, reach out to Perkins Law Offices: