As you discuss your case with a Phoenix personal injury attorney, you may be advised of factors that insurance adjusters use to recommend a smaller settlement. Here are a few such factors.
Economic Stability of Claimant
A Phoenix personal injury attorney can explain that an insurance adjuster may try to lowball a claim if he or she learns that a claimant is unemployed or low-income. Your Phoenix personal injury attorney can explain that an insurance adjuster may view this type of claimant as someone who is more inclined to accept a lower offer because he or she needs the money.
Illness
Likewise, if a claimant is suffering from a serious illness, a Phoenix personal injury attorney may say that the offer will be lower because the claimant needs funds to pay for his or her health care needs. Additionally, the insurance company may try to delay litigation to wait out the claimant’s death so that his or her estate cannot recover certain damages.
Jury Dislike
If a claimant is a member of a profession that is not respected by society or is particularly wealthy, a Phoenix personal injury attorney may say that the settlement offer will be lower because the jury is not likely to care for the claimant.
Exclusions
A Phoenix personal injury attorney can explain that insurance companies are expected to act in good faith. If they do not do so, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer may wish to include a bad faith claim as part of your complaint. Insurance adjusters may claim that certain expenses will not be included with a settlement offer. For example, they may say that you are not entitled to your lost wages that you incurred to have your vehicle repaired or to drop it off or pick it up. However, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer can explain that proximate damages, those stemming directly from the incident, should be included with your claim. Likewise, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer can explain that the transportation expenses that you incurred should likewise be covered.
If you would like more information about adjuster tricks, contact a Phoenix personal injury attorney from Schiffman Law Office, P.C. at (602) 235-0539.
