Northwood Personal Injury Attorneys

When accidents and injuries disrupt lives, personal injury lawyers become essential. They focus on representing those harmed by negligence, helping them obtain fair compensation. This article explores the important role personal injury lawyers play in guiding individuals through their claims and aiding in recovery.

Do You Have to Accept The Insurance Company's Settlement?

In Iowa, you definitely do not have to accept an insurance company's settlement offer, especially in cases involving personal injury from incidents like dog bites or attacks. However, there are several critical factors to keep in mind before making any decisions regarding settlements.

Key Considerations Before Accepting a Settlement

1. Assessing the Severity of Your Injuries

Consider whether your injuries are minor or more severe. For minor injuries, you might be better off settling the case on your own to avoid paying an attorney a percentage of your settlement. However, for more significant injuries, consulting an attorney is crucial to ensure you receive fair compensation.

2. Understanding Subrogation

If your medical bills have been paid by your health insurance or another insurance company, you need to understand subrogation. Subrogation means that the insurance company may seek reimbursement from your settlement. This can significantly affect the amount you ultimately receive. Without proper knowledge of subrogation, you might lose a substantial portion of your settlement.

3. Statute of Limitations

Be aware of the time limit for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from receiving any compensation. It's essential to act promptly and understand the timeline for your specific case.

If you're unsure about any of these aspects, it's strongly recommended to consult a qualified Iowa injury attorney. Failing to do so could cost you thousands of dollars or even your entire case.

Settlement Negotiations

When negotiating with an insurance adjuster, it's rare that the first offer is their best. You should definitely try to negotiate, especially if representing yourself. However, keep the following in mind:

1. Be Truthful and Careful

Anything you say to the insurance adjuster can be used against you in your claim and in any potential lawsuit. Be truthful, but cautious about what you disclose. Remember that the adjuster can access your history of prior injuries and accidents through shared insurance databases.

2. Maintain Professionalism

Avoid threatening or becoming hostile with the insurance adjuster. Professionalism and a cooperative attitude can lead to better outcomes than aggression and hostility.

3. Know Your Facts

Have a thorough understanding of your case, including how the injuries occurred, who provided your medical treatment, and the diagnoses you received. Being well-prepared strengthens your negotiating position.

Evaluating the Value of a Claim

Several factors influence the value of an injury claim, including:

- Severity and Extent of Injuries: Multiple body parts injured or serious injuries like broken bones.
- Nature of Injuries: Objective injuries such as fractures and the need for hospitalization or surgery.
- Missed Work: Time missed from work due to injuries.
- Insurance Coverage: The amount of available insurance coverage and potential underinsured motorist claims.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.