Insurance is one of those things that’s very important to have, but you also hope you don’t ever have to actually use it. Unfortunately, accidents can (and likely will) happen. Whether they’re the result of someone else’s negligence or due to your own actions, insurance policies are there to cover the costs of property repairs, medical treatment, lost wages, and more.
Of course, these costs aren’t known at the time of the accident. If you’ve been in an auto accident, your vehicle will need to be examined by a professional mechanic. If you’ve been injured, you should see a doctor immediately and have your medical needs attended to. Always remember that you have the right to choose your own mechanic and doctor.
Meanwhile, insurance adjusters will follow up with the auto shop and medical facility you have chosen to verify damages and costs. In the case of auto repair, you often need to receive authorization before repairs can begin. Medical care needs typically can’t (and shouldn’t) wait for approval. If everything goes as it should, the appropriate insurance company will pay either you or the facility where you underwent treatment.
However, insurance companies will sometimes attempt to undercompensate you. Even as expenses are still being incurred, they may try to make a flat-rate offer based off some internal estimate. Insurance companies may also give you the impression that they’ve either paid for or will in the future pay necessary medical expenses only for you to receive an outstanding bill down the road. At this point, navigating the situation can be increasingly difficult.
The reasons why an insurance company may try to underpay your claim can vary. Sometimes, they’ll argue that your costs are too high based off their own internal estimates (which often utilize self-serving information). Other times, they’ll claim that your injuries were the result of your own actions or that they stem from pre-existing conditions.
Whatever the reasoning, it’s important that you don’t settle for less than you’re owed. Properly documenting everything from the initial accident to ongoing medical visits can greatly help in validating your claim. Even still, that may not be enough. This is why a personal injury attorney is important.
The medical system, insurance policies, and the legal system are all complex by themselves. When combined into a singular situation, they become impossible to navigate without a clear, professional understanding. Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in all of these areas, helping you understand your rights and how to attain what you’re owed.
The sooner you speak to an attorney, the simpler things often are.
At The Richards Injury Firm, we provide personalized representation designed to make the legal system more accessible to those in need. We treat each client as an individual so that we can understand their situation and provide the help they’re looking for. We work on a contingency fee, so we don’t receive any money unless you recover on your claim.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, and you’re in need of a personal injury lawyer in the Cincinnati area, contact The Richards Firm today!