Individuals involved in a Missouri car crash can suffer significant injuries, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Those medical issues can inspire health care expenses and could also affect someone’s income.
People often assume that they can rely on insurance for all of these major needs after a collision. As a result, many claimants navigating a major insurance matter make the mistake of trying to negotiate on their own behalf. They fail to obtain legal representation and may lose out on tens of thousands of dollars in coverage because of that mistake. Why is professional representation so important during a sizable crash-related insurance claim?
Insurance companies care about profits, not people
It is very easy to develop a false sense of faith in insurance companies because of their advertising practices. Most people can’t turn on the TV or radio without hearing at least one commercial bragging about how fast the company handles claims and how generous they are with those who need assistance.
Despite how the companies market themselves to consumers, their main objective is almost always to limit the payout on a claim rather than to provide optimal support for an injured person. People cannot assume that they will receive the maximum amount of coverage available. Instead, they will likely face a host of questionable negotiation tactics intended to reduce their compensation.
Insurance adjusters may trick people into giving recorded statements and then ask leading questions that justify a reduction in the payout someone receives. Other times, they offer a settlement far below the policy limits in the hopes that someone will accept it and cash the check before they realize it isn’t enough money.
The average person struggles to handle such tactics or even recognize them until it is too late. Lawyers who are familiar with insurance company practices are capable of negotiating more effectively. They can review policy paperwork and understand thoroughly what coverage is available.
They can also help someone estimate the true long-term costs of an injury. It is quite common for people to underestimate the financial impact of injuries from a crash because they have never experienced a major medical incident before. A lawyer will likely have handled at least a few cases with similar injuries before and can potentially help people understand the long-term financial impact of their current medical challenges.
Finally, lawyers handle the red tape and stress on behalf of clients so that people can focus on their recovery. Mental strain can affect immune system function and make it harder for people to fully recover from their injuries.
For all of these reasons and more, seeking legal guidance can make all the difference for someone who is adjusting to life with injuries after a Missouri wreck.