We live in an era of DIY. From gardening and car repairs to starting a business, YouTube and TikTok can teach you almost anything. However, when it comes to personal injury claims, there are many secrets that insurance companies don’t want you to know. Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the impact on your life. 

While attorneys can be expensive, the Insurance company’s own data shows that hiring a personal injury attorney results in clients receiving three and a half times more than those without representation – even after legal fees. Here’s what an attorney can offer you.  

Invaluable Knowledge and Experience 

The most obvious benefit of hiring a personal injury attorney is their experience and knowledge of the law. They bring a deep understanding of legal procedures, statutes, and precedents that are critical for building a strong case. 

A qualified personal injury attorney should also be a trained negotiation expert. They can help expose how the injury has impacted your entire life in ways that you may not consider to get full value for your injury. This involves more than just medical bills and lost wages. They can prove that the emotional toll, stress, and lifestyle changes after your injury have value, too. 

Insurance companies and opposing counsel will often try to minimize your claim. Their job is to get their customers to accept the smallest amount possible. With a dedicated attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the complex legal landscape. 

Network of Doctors 

Once you file a claim after an injury, you can seek treatment from a doctor of your choice. However, the insurance company may hire a doctor in their network to review your medical records before agreeing to pay. 

Studies have shown that some doctors who work with insurance companies aim to downplay injuries, giving the insurance company grounds to deny a claim, refuse coverage, or offer a low settlement. 

A personal injury attorney can work with your physician and their network of trusted medical providers to solidify the extent of your injuries. Together, they will fight for you to get the proper medical care you need to get your life back on track.  

Private Investigators 

If you file a claim after an injury, odds are the insurance company is seeking evidence that you are not as injured as you claim to be. Many insurance companies have private investigators to monitor you and your social media to catch you doing something that could minimize the value of your case.  

However, some attorneys have investigators of their own. While the insurance company is watching you, the attorney’s investigators are also digging into the defendant’s history. These investigators can look into the defendant’s criminal history, obtain video of the incident, and provide an open records request.  

Investigators go to great lengths to gather as much information as possible to get you full value. The evidence they provide can be crucial in refuting claims from the insurance company and strengthening your case. 

Intimidation Factors 

Overall, attorneys provide a general intimidation factor against the insurance company that clients typically don’t have on their own. Insurance companies don’t want to go to trial because it could cost them more than settling with a client. 

Having a qualified attorney on your side signals to the insurance company that you mean business. If they try to pull their typical tricks, your attorney can send a Stowers Demand. This is a letter sent to the insurance company stating that they either offer a fair settlement amount or face a lawsuit. 

If you’ve been injured and are seeking compensation, contact a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible. This is probably the most important, yet challenging, moment of your life. Don’t go through it alone. A personal injury attorney can help you get full value for your case.