When would you ever need to hire an attorney?
If you’ve been through a personal injury settlement before, you might think never. You assume that the insurance company will cut you a fair check and everyone will go home happy. But that…
Unfortunately doesn’t happen often.
Insurance companies aren’t in business to be generous. They want to pay as little money as possible on each claim. Without legal representation, injury victims are often forced to settle for a fraction of what they deserve.
Statistics prove it. When reviewing data from Nolo, it was found that paying claimants with an attorney ended up receiving nearly three times more than those who didn’t have legal representation. Thats a lot of money left on the table.
Here’s the kicker.
Most people don’t realize they need an attorney until it’s too late. They don’t know the red flags that indicate they should be calling one. Car accidents, slip and falls, workplace accidents… they can all benefit from legal counsel. But you have to know WHEN to ask for help.
That’s why so many injury victims turn to a professional law firm for help with their case. A reputable firm like Hess Injury Law Firm can look at your personal injury settlement case and determine whether you have a strong claim. Then they’ll go to work securing you the money you deserve to cover your damages.
Wondering how to know WHEN you need that attorney? Read on.
Table of Contents
- The Insurance Company Contacts You Early On
- They Offer a Settlement That Doesn’t Even Cover Medical Bills
- Who Is At Fault Is Being Disputed
- You’re Being Pressured To Agree
- Your Injuries Are Serious or Long-Lasting
- Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
- Pulling It Together
The Insurance Company Contacts You Early On
This is one of the worst red flags that you should consult an attorney.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you within days of the incident and starts talking settlement… stop them in their tracks. They’re not doing this out of kindness. They are trying to settle your claim before the full extent of your injuries have been discovered.
Why does this matter?
You accept their early offer. You are cutting off your ability to make a claim for additional injuries down the line. You’ve signed away your rights to pursue more money.
If an insurance company contacts you days after an accident with a settlement check, it’s too soon.
Many injuries take time to develop. You might not realize the severity of a head injury, for example, for weeks or even months. By accepting that early offer, you could be leaving money on the table.
Offering a quick settlement is a common technique to keep costs low for the insurance company and they excel at it. Knowing this is one of the red flags that you need an attorney can save you from making a costly mistake.
They Offer a Settlement That Doesn’t Even Cover Medical Bills
Can you believe people fall for this?
The insurance company lowballs you with a settlement amount that doesn’t even cover medical bills. It doesn’t take into consideration future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
If the settlement offer makes someone have to pay money OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET because of an accident… IT’S TOO LOW.
Full stop.
Learn to recognize this red flag and fight back against low offers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says there were over 39 million car accidents in 2024. Each one of those accidents has the potential to lead to injury and property damage.
Who pays for those damages? You do… unless you fight back.
Who Is At Fault Is Being Disputed
Another big red flag is if liability is being disputed.
If an insurance company contests who was at fault, or tries to tell your side of the story after an accident… you should contact an attorney. When they do this, they’re looking for ways to reduce your settlement or deny it outright.
Insurance adjusters love to accuse injury victims of being partially to blame. Not using your turn signal. Looking at your phone instead of the road. Not wearing your seatbelt. You’d be surprised how they use these things to justify not paying claims.
If an insurance company is playing games with liability… it’s time to hire a personal injury attorney to fight back.
You’re Being Pressured To Agree
Here’s the thing: you’re UNDER NO OBLIGATION to accept a settlement offer.
If you feel pressured to accept an offer quickly, that is another red flag it’s time to call an attorney. Many insurance companies will use faux deadlines to force you into making a decision. “This is a limited time offer.” “This is our best and final offer.”
Please do your research and consult with a lawyer before agreeing to anything.
Your Injuries Are Serious or Long-Lasting
Not every car accident or slip-and-fall requires a personal injury attorney.
Say you bump your car in a parking lot. No one is injured and only there’s minor damage to the vehicles. You and the other driver can likely sort out the details and file a claim with your respective insurance companies.
But what if someone breaks a leg? Now you’re looking at medical bills, recovery time away from work, pain and suffering… You get the picture.
Long-term injuries require long-term settlements.
If an injury requires surgery, months of rehabilitation, or has long-lasting effects like scarring or PTSD… get a lawyer. Serious injuries have costs that are easy to underestimate. You don’t want to go cheap now and find yourself strapped for cash later on because you accepted a low settlement.
Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
Okay this one is just wrong…
You do all of your due diligence. You hire an attorney. You submit a claim. And the insurance company gives you the run-around.
Some examples of acting in bad faith can include:
- Delaying your claim
- Misrepresenting your policy
- Failure to investigate your claim properly
- Refusing to pay a legitimate claim
DON’T PANIC. This is exactly why you hire an attorney.
If your insurance company is being difficult and pulling nonsense, you’re well within your rights to sue them for acting in bad faith. Your attorney can make sure you receive the compensation you deserve plus compensation for their misconduct.
Pulling It Together
You shouldn’t hire a personal injury attorney for every little scrape or bump along the road. But there are certain telltale signs that you need one to protect your rights.
Remember…
- The insurance company is offering a settlement too early
- The settlement offer doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses
- Someone is disputing liability
- You’re being pressured to accept an offer
- Your injuries are severe or will impact you for a long time
- The insurance company is being difficult/deceptive
If you encounter any of these scenarios during your personal injury settlement, don’t be afraid to seek legal help. A qualified personal injury attorney can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
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