Were you injured in an accident in Rockford or elsewhere in the region of Illinois? You have the right to hold the negligent party accountable through a personal injury claim. For the most part, these claims are defended by insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side.
At Tuite Law, we hold them accountable. Here, our Rockford personal injury lawyer highlights five things that insurance companies do not want you to know about the personal injury claims process.
The Goal of an Insurer is to Protect its Bottom Line
First and foremost, it is important to understand that insurance companies exist to generate a profit. It is not their objective to help ensure that you and your family get a full and fair financial recovery. Their claims adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. You should never assume the adjuster’s offer reflects your real losses.
That is why it is so important to have an attorney.
Every Percentage Point of Fault Matters
You should never admit or accept any blame for your accident. Illinois is a modified comparative state (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). You can still recover compensation in a personal injury claim, even if you are partly at fault. However, that is only true as long as your share of fault is not more than 50 percent.
Further, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often exploit this rule by exaggerating your contribution to the accident to cut their liability.
The First Settlement Offer is Rarely a Full and Fair
A patient approach to a personal injury case is generally the best approach. Initial settlement offers are designed to close the claim quickly and cheaply. Many injured victims accept early payment before understanding the long-term financial impact of their injuries.
Once a release is signed, you generally cannot reopen the claim. Unfortunately, that is true even if your condition worsens. You need to make sure that you are getting the right settlement offer the first time.
Insurance Adjusters are Trained to Be Friendly and Disarming
If you have never been through a personal injury claim before, you may be surprised by how helpful the insurance adjuster will sound when you speak to them. Indeed, insurance adjusters often appear sympathetic, calm, and helpful, but this is intentional. Their training emphasizes building rapport to make claimants feel comfortable sharing details that can later be used to limit liability or reduce payout value.
Do not be fooled: Every question is designed with a purpose; to protect the insurer’s financial interest, not yours.
Professional Legal Representation Can Make the Difference
You do not have to take on a personal injury claim alone. The right legal representation can make a big difference. A top-rated Rockford, IL personal injury attorney can review your case, answer your questions, and help you develop a truly comprehensive strategy to fight for justice and the maximum possible financial compensation.
Contact Our Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Case Review
At Tuite Law, our Rockford personal injury attorneys have the experience to hold big insurance companies accountable. If you were hurt in a serious accident, please contact us today at (815) 965-5777 for a free, no-obligation consultation. From our Rockford law office, we represent injury victims throughout the region in Illinois.
