Can an Injury Lawyer Increase an Unfair Insurance Settlement?

Table of Contents

• Can a Lawyer Increase Your Insurance Settlement?
• How an Injury Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Claim
• What Your Personal Injury Claim May Include
• Negotiating With the Insurance Company
• What if the Insurance Company Refuses to Make a Fair Offer?
• Talk to MAS Law About Your Injury Claim

Yes, an injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain a larger insurance settlement if the insurance company's initial offer does not fairly reflect your damages. While no attorney can guarantee a particular settlement amount, an experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident, document your losses, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue additional legal action when appropriate.

Insurance companies have adjusters and attorneys working to protect their financial interests. Having an attorney on your side can help level the playing field when you are seeking compensation for an injury.

Can a Lawyer Increase Your Insurance Settlement?

There is no guaranteed amount that an attorney can add to a settlement. The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, liability, insurance coverage, and other damages.

However, an attorney may identify damages or evidence that were overlooked during the insurance company's initial evaluation.

A lawyer may also be able to challenge:

• An offer that does not cover all medical expenses
• Disputes about who caused the accident
• Attempts to minimize your injuries
• Claims that your treatment was unnecessary
• Disputes over lost wages
• Attempts to shift blame to you

How an Injury Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Claim

Building a strong personal injury claim requires more than simply telling an insurance company that you were injured.

Investigating the Accident

An attorney can investigate how the accident occurred and gather evidence that may help establish liability.

Depending on the circumstances, this could include:

• Accident or police reports
• Photographs and video
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Vehicle or property damage
• Other documentation related to the accident

The goal is to establish what happened and who should be held responsible.

Documenting Your Injuries

Medical records can provide important evidence about the nature and severity of your injuries.

Your attorney may work with your medical providers to understand your treatment, prognosis, and potential future medical needs.

This can be particularly important when an injury requires ongoing care.

Calculating Your Losses

An insurance company may focus heavily on bills that can be easily calculated. Your attorney can also examine other losses associated with your injury.

These may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Future medical treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Physical limitations
• Other accident-related expenses

Understanding the full extent of your damages can help prevent you from settling your claim before you know what you are actually entitled to recover.

What Your Personal Injury Claim May Include

Every injury claim is different, but compensation may cover both economic and noneconomic losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are losses that can generally be supported with financial documentation, such as:

• Hospital and medical bills
• Prescription costs
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Other out-of-pocket expenses

Noneconomic Damages

Some losses are more difficult to put into a specific dollar amount. Depending on the circumstances, these may include:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent limitations
• Disfigurement

The seriousness and long-term effects of your injuries can be important factors when evaluating these damages.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company

Once your attorney understands the facts of your case and the extent of your damages, they can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

This may involve presenting evidence supporting your claim and explaining why the insurer's offer is inadequate.

Insurance companies may make additional offers during negotiations. Your attorney can review each offer and advise you about whether it fairly reflects your damages.

Having legal representation can also allow you to focus on your recovery rather than spending your time communicating with an insurance adjuster.

What if the Insurance Company Refuses to Make a Fair Offer?

Sometimes negotiations do not result in a fair settlement.

If the insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation, your attorney can explain whether filing a lawsuit may be appropriate. A lawsuit can place additional pressure on the insurer and gives your attorney the opportunity to present your case through the legal process.

However, filing a lawsuit does not guarantee a particular outcome. The best approach depends on the facts of your case, the available evidence, the extent of your injuries, and other circumstances.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Before Understanding Your Options

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you generally give up the ability to pursue additional compensation for the same claim.

That is why it is important to understand the value of your claim before accepting an insurance company's offer.

If you believe an insurance company is treating your claim unfairly, speaking with an injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Talk to MAS Law About Your Injury Claim

If you have been injured in an accident and believe the insurance company is offering less than your claim is worth, you do not have to navigate the process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case, explain your options, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

MAS Law has served the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 25 years, helping clients recover the MAXimum compensation they deserve after accidents and injuries. Founded by Sean Modjarrad, the firm brings more than 100 years of combined legal experience handling personal injury cases. Our legal team is available 24/7 in English, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi, with virtual consultations available to fit your schedule.

If you believe you have received an unfair insurance settlement offer, contact MAS Law online or call (866) 328-8433 today to discuss your case.