What You Need to Know About Insurance Companies
Accidents happen every day. Whether a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other type, they are always unexpected and can cause significant injuries. After being injured in an accident, you may wonder why insurance companies quickly offer you a settlement. It may feel like they're just trying to get rid of you, but there are several reasons why insurance companies want to settle claims without going to trial.
Reasons Insurance Companies Want to Settle Following an Accident
They Don’t Want to Go to Court
The most apparent reason why insurers will try to settle your claim without trial is that insurance companies don't want to go to court. Going to court is expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. If an insurer can avoid it by offering you a settlement, they will most likely take that route.
Bad Publicity
Trials are public proceedings, which means that if an insurer went to trial and lost, it would reflect poorly on the company's image and reputation. In our litigious society, people quickly point fingers and assign blame following an accident. If an insurer can avoid all that by settling out of court, they will do so.
Save Money
As we mentioned before, trials are expensive. By settling your claim without going to court, an insurer can save significant money on legal fees and other associated costs.
Avoid Revealing Secrets
During a trial's discovery process, both parties must disclose certain information that may damage their case. Insurance companies have deep pockets and access to vast resources, so they often have the information they don't want to reveal in court. They will do so if they can settle your claim without disclosing that information.
Close the Case Quickly
For insurance companies, every open case represents money they have yet to receive or pay out. The sooner they can close a case, the better off they are financially speaking. They can achieve that goal by offering you a quick settlement and moving on to the next case file on their desk.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer Following an Accident
While there are several reasons why insurance companies will try to settle with you following an accident, you need to know that you don't have to accept their first offer, and in most cases, you shouldn't. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to save their company as much money as possible. They are not looking out for your best interests, nor do they have your best interests at heart.
That's why it's always in your best interest to hire legal representation following an accident. With a lawyer on your side, you level the playing field and have someone fighting solely for what you deserve, which is complete and fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, don't settle. At Pritchard Injury Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to fight for the results you deserve. Contact us online or give us a call today. (470) 577-8152