Having started my career representing insurance companies, I learned several valuable lessons that have carried over to my role as a plaintiff’s attorney. In addition to gaining a thorough understanding of how the insurance industry works, the experience I gained has helped inform the way I run my practice and counsel my clients. Here are five key things you should know:
Insurance companies don’t care about you
The bigger the company, the more likely they are to look at people as transactions rather than individuals. Insurance companies don’t make massive profits by considering your unique circumstances or the impact your injuries might have on your life. Your accident is going to be reduced to a formula, and the insurance company will do whatever they can to limit the amount of money they need to pay out. This is a huge part of why I switched sides and decided to fight on behalf of people that have suffered serious injuries. I believe all accident victims are entitled to compassion, personal attention, and a fair recovery.
Your lawyer matters more than you think
Does your attorney specialize in truck accident cases? Are they experienced? Has he or she earned an excellent reputation in the legal community? These things matter.
The lawyer for the insurance company will look at the reputation of the plaintiff’s lawyer and set reserves (how much they are willing to pay) based on how competent the injured person’s attorney is and how likely they believe that attorney is to push the case to trial with the best experts and evidence. Selecting a lawyer with a track record of success—particularly with cases similar to yours—will go a long way toward laying the groundwork for a substantial verdict or settlement.
Medical records don’t always tell the full story
Insurance companies often tend to categorize cases as “Minor Impact Soft Tissue” damages (MIST) and an inexperienced plaintiff’s attorney might overlook significant injuries that may not be reflected in medical records like post-concussive syndrome, traumatic brain injury (TBI), aggravation of degenerative disc disease, and ligament or tissue injuries in joints. If your attorney is unfamiliar with how these injuries occur, you could end up settling for far less money than what your case is worth.
Your reputation matters, both online and off
Insurance companies will delve deeply into the reputation and character of an injured person. If that person has many prior injuries and claims—and fails to be honest about them—the insurance company will most likely refuse to pay the claim. Having an attorney who can guide you through the process of being scrutinized by an insurance company can help prevent you from making any mistakes that might jeopardize the result of your case.
People are more than a dollar amount
While working for an insurance company I was encouraged to find ways to avoid paying out for injuries, regardless of who was at fault. This did not sit well with me and is the primary reason I now work on behalf of those who have suffered catastrophic or life altering injuries. Your injury is more than a line-item in a large company’s annual report, it’s your livelihood. My job is to work aggressively on your behalf and ensure you’re treated with dignity, respect, and ultimately given the proper compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered.
The experience I gained from my years working for a large insurance company made me a stronger advocate for injured clients. I’ve chosen to be a plaintiff’s lawyer because I believe in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. Insurance companies have plenty of lobbyists, lawyers, and advocates. I’m here to help you level the playing field.
