do i really need a lawyer

Do I Really Need a Lawyer – Can I Negotiate with the Insurance Company Myself?

Negotiating with an insurance company can feel like a high-stakes game. And worse, it often feels like the odds are stacked against you. Make one wrong move, and you may lose thousands of dollars. 

Despite this risk, many people ask themselves, “Do I really need a lawyer to settle my dispute?” While you have the right to negotiate on your own, it’s often not the best move. Insurance companies hold all the power and can use unfair tactics to force you to accept less than you need. 

If you need to file an insurance claim in Maine, contact Mann Law. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you get the settlement you deserve. 

Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Insurance Claim?

No, you don’t need an attorney to file a claim. However, getting compensation from your insurer isn’t an easy process. 

Insurance companies try to pay as little as possible. Since these payouts are not usually enough to cover your costs, you may need to negotiate for fair compensation.

Here’s how the negotiation process often unfolds:

  • Filing a claim. After an accident or incident, you’ll file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Investigation. The insurance company investigates the claim, reviewing evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. It will also assess your damages, including medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
  • Initial offer. The insurance company may make an initial offer, but it’s often lower than you want. 
  • Counteroffer. You or your attorney can counter the initial offer with a demand for a higher amount, supported by evidence of your losses.
  • Negotiation. Both parties engage in back-and-forth negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable settlement amount.
  • Settlement. You’ll sign a release once both parties agree on a settlement amount. This finalizes the agreement and relinquishes your right to further legal action.
  • Litigation. You always have the right to file a lawsuit against the insurance company if negotiations don’t lead to a settlement.

It’s important to be patient during negotiations. This process can last as short as a few weeks to as long as several years. 

Can You Negotiate a Settlement with an Insurance Company?

Yes, you can attempt to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company yourself, especially when the damages are relatively minor. In these cases, identifying and calculating your losses is often easy.

Moreover, insurance companies may prefer to settle a small claim quickly rather than engage in lengthy negotiations, since it isn’t worth the hassle. If you have a small, simple claim, you can attempt to negotiate with the adjuster, but don’t expect a significant change in the total settlement. 

However, the situation changes when the stakes are higher. Insurance companies are less inclined to offer a fair settlement if you have substantial losses or disagree over the extent of the damages.

Your insurer may offer a very low amount, delay the process, or deny the claim altogether. Not only is it difficult to negotiate with insurers who act this way, but this behavior can also be illegal.

In these cases, it’s best to work with a personal injury attorney. While you have the legal right to negotiate on your own, you might not have the experience or legal knowledge to force the insurer to honor your claim.

The Risks of Negotiating Alone

Here’s a secret – insurance companies want you to negotiate on your own. They know they have the upper hand and can take advantage of you. 

Some possible downsides to negotiating without an attorney include: 

  • Unfamiliarity with insurance law. Insurance policies are complex documents with legal terms that can be difficult to interpret. Without legal knowledge, you may miss nuances crucial to your claim.
  • Undervaluing your claim. Since you don’t have experience calculating damages, you might undervalue your claim. Your settlement may fall short of covering your true expenses. 
  • Missing important deadlines. Insurance claims often have strict deadlines for submitting documents or filing appeals. Missing these deadlines can weaken your case or even forfeit your right to compensation.
  • Tactics and pressure. Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. They might use tactics like lowball offers, tight deadlines, or dismissive language to force you into a quick settlement.
  • Time and stress. Negotiating a settlement will take up much of your free time. It can distract you from your recovery and add to the emotional burden of the incident.
  • No legal recourse. Almost all settlement agreements require you to waive your right to pursue further compensation. This will prevent you from taking other actions, even if future complications arise.

We can’t overstate the risks of attempting to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. All it takes is one small error to prevent you from getting a fair settlement. 

Do I Really Need a Lawyer During Negotiations?

Working with an attorney is the best way to protect your interests. They are familiar with the settlement process and can ensure you get fair treatment. 

Here are some other reasons why we recommend having a lawyer on your side:

  • Level the playing field. An experienced lawyer understands insurance law, negotiation strategies, and how to interpret your policy. They can ensure the insurance company doesn’t use unfair tactics against you.
  • Maximize your compensation. Lawyers know how to assess the value of your claim and fight for the full compensation you deserve. They will calculate all damages, even those like pain and suffering that are hard to quantify.
  • Trial preparation. While most cases are settled through negotiation, there’s always the possibility of litigation. A lawyer can prepare your case for trial, ensuring you’re ready to pursue legal action if necessary.
  • No upfront costs. Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we get you a positive outcome. This aligns our interests with yours, motivating us to get the best settlement available.
  • Peace of mind. Negotiations can be stressful and time-consuming. Let a lawyer communicate with the insurance company so you can recover and return to your normal routine.

While you may feel that you’re giving up control during this process, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You will always have the choice to accept or reject a settlement, no matter what your attorney recommends. 

Why Choose Mann Law to Negotiate with Your Insurance Company

The lawyer you hire can have a significant outcome on your claim. You need an advocate who has experience negotiating with insurers and getting large settlements for clients. 

Mann Law is here to help. Our award-winning attorneys know what it takes to get the best results for our clients.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Chrissy Mann has a unique perspective that many firms lack. She worked for the other side, representing insurance companies in claim disputes. This firsthand experience gives our firm invaluable insight into insurance tactics and strategies. We know their playbook inside and out, enabling us to anticipate their moves and counter them to get you the best settlement.

Compassionate Advocacy

At Mann Law, we don’t see our clients as cases. Instead, we treat you as if you are family. We understand the emotional toll that accidents and injuries can take, and we’re committed to providing compassionate support every step of the way. You can trust us to listen to your concerns, address your needs, and empower you to make informed decisions about your case.

Honest and Accurate Case Assessments

Some law firms will promise you high settlement amounts without ever looking at the details of your case. While these lawyers may sound great, they often care more about selling their services than getting results. 

 

Mann Law believes in transparency and honesty without compromise. Our attorneys will conduct a thorough review of the facts and evidence to provide you with a true assessment of your situation. We’ll let you know if you have a valid claim, estimate a goal settlement value, and outline realistic expectations.

Decades of Combined Experience

With over 50 years of combined experience, our team has negotiated countless insurance negotiations. We’ve seen all types of cases, from small fender benders to multimillion-dollar injuries. This depth of experience allows us to approach each case with confidence and expertise, maximizing your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Don’t Negotiate Alone — Call Mann Law Today

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our team is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. With millions of dollars collected for clients and a commitment to personalized attention, we’ll work tirelessly to negotiate a settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.

Contact Mann Law today to schedule your free consultation.

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Christiana E. Mann Christiana “Chrissy” Mann has specialized in civil litigation for 21+ years as a savvy and creative litigator, and she’s regarded as a fair, compassionate, and zealous advocate on behalf of her clients.