It is common for claims representatives to try to reduce personal injury payouts by using certain low-balling tactics. A Decatur personal injury lawyer can explain these tactics and how to combat them.
Tax Benefits
A Decatur personal injury attorney will be on the lookout for the claims representative’s attempts to convince you that the claim is subject to a reduction because the general damages paid are not taxable. The claims representative is using the percentage of taxes that you would normally pay when earning wages.
Bias Against Attorneys
If it is made clear that a claimant is averse to attorneys, this may be used by the claims representative to make a settlement offer that is far too low. The representative knows that a claimant who is not represented by a Decatur personal injury lawyer will have no choice but to accept a low offer.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Get
Unless you request compensation for everything you are entitled to receive, the claims representative might not offer a settlement for anything other than what is requested. In other words, if you don’t ask for what you want, you won’t get it. This could be an act of bad faith on the part of the insurer because it is their responsibility to provide full disclosure of the insured’s rights. There should be no confusion regarding the benefits you are entitled to, a Decatur personal injury attorney will ensure that you are aware of your rights.
Forced Structured Settlement
A structured settlement means that you will receive compensation over a period of time instead of in a lump sum. This will allow the insurer to use the money that is not being paid out all at once for its own benefit. If a claims representative attempts to push this type of settlement you, a Decatur personal injury lawyer can help protect you.
No Diminution Value
If your vehicle has been damaged, it may lose value, even if it has been fixed. The insurance company may refuse to pay for the vehicle’s diminution value.
Speak to an Experienced Attorney
For more information about insurers’ low-balling tactics, contact a Decatur personal injury lawyer by calling McCarthy Rowden & Baker at 800-373-6050 to discuss your case today.