November 08, 2013

Use a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney to Speak to the Other Party’s Insurance Company

When you have been injured in an accident caused by another party, it is common for their insurance company to attempt to contact you directly and make a settlement offer. While you might think this is nice of them, you need to be aware of what they are actually doing. First, insurance companies are in business to make money, not give it away. As a result, the amount they are suggesting is often far below what you could be legally required to claim. Next, by speaking directly to the other party’s insurance company, you run a risk of ruining your chances of seeking a larger monetary amount using a local Los Angeles personal injury attorney.

If the other party’s insurance company attempts to contact you, and they probably will, either by calling you or even showing up on your doorstep, it is best to decline to speak with them until you have retained a lawyer. Once you have, you can tell them to address all inquiries directly to your Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Your lawyer acts as the intermediary party to handle all negotiations in attempting to reach a settlement. He interacts with both the other party’s insurance company and their lawyers.

Your attorney’s primary objective is to help you secure the maximum monetary settlement possible. If the other party’s insurance company is unwilling to work and negotiate a fair amount, the next step is to take your case to court. Your lawyer will discuss with you any settlement offer they receive, and give you their professional and legal opinion about what they believe is in your best interest.