How much more will I get in an insurance settlement if I hire an attorney?

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There is no simple answer to this as every case is different and has its own unique characteristics that affect the value. I can say, however, that the only chance you have to level the playing field between you and the insurance company is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney.

An attorney who focuses their practice on the type of case you have can bring a level of knowledge and experience to your case that will prove invaluable. Not only can they help you to avoid the common pitfalls that can hurt your case, they can advocate on your behalf to get you justice.

The fact that you are intelligent, or a good negotiator, will probably not help you with your own case. Insurance adjusters are very savvy and sophisticated in the field of auto insurance claims. This is because of experience and intensive training. Their job is to handle with these types of claims ever day, and to pay the victims as little as possible. Insurance company adjusters are aware that the average American will never deal with more than one or two claims in their entire life. This gives the insurance company a huge advantage when negotiating your claim. They know how much they should pay you and how to get away will paying you a whole lot less. They are trained to use all the tricks they can to get you to take as little as possible. You must be aware that the adjuster’s goal is to close your claim while paying you as little as possible for your damage and injuries.

A good lawyer will balance the power between you and the insurance company. An experienced personal injury attorney has handled hundreds if not thousands of personal injury claims.

It is important to note that simply telling the insurance company that you are going to hire a lawyer is not going to get you anywhere. The insurance companies have attorneys on their staff that are already paid for. It does not cost them anything to defend against your case. They will not increase their offer just because you say you are going to hire an attorney, or even that you have talked to an attorney. They know they don’t have to take you seriously until they are notified by an attorney that you have actually hired them.

Further, all attorneys are not created equal! I go more into detail in my book, Straight Talk: The Shocking Truth About Lawyer Advertising. Insurance companies are well aware of which attorneys are experienced and aggressive litigators and which are not. An inexperienced lawyer may make mistakes and be unaware as to the value of your claim thereby causing you to receive a smaller settlement than you could have otherwise. Additionally, if you hire an attorney who is afraid to take cases to trial, the insurance company can wait them out until the lawyer feels like they have to settle the case because they don’t want to try it. Be sure to research lawyers in your area that have a strong track record of dealing with your type of case and have earned the respect of not only their colleagues but also, more importantly, the insurance companies.