Article Source: Hiller Comerford Disability and Injury Lawyers
Walking through Delaware Park or driving down the Kensington Expressway should not end in a trip to the hospital. Unfortunately, accidents are a reality of life in Erie County, often leaving victims with broken bones, mounting bills, and a lot of questions. Many people wonder if they can handle their own insurance claim to save money on legal fees. While it might seem easier to just talk to the adjuster yourself, the legal system in Western New York is full of traps that can cost you everything. To protect your rights and ensure your family is taken care of, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer in Buffalo before you sign any settlement papers.
Profit Over People: The Insurance Company Priority
Insurance companies are massive for-profit businesses that focus on one thing: their own bottom line. While their commercials make them seem like helpful neighbors, their real goal is to keep as much money in their pockets as possible. When you file a claim, the adjuster is not looking for ways to pay you fairly. Instead, they search for any excuse to blame you for the accident or downplay how much you are hurting. They use these tactics to limit their company’s liability and save thousands of dollars at your expense.
An insurance company’s first settlement offer is almost always a “lowball” offer that does not cover your long-term needs. They often send these checks quickly, hoping you are stressed about money and will grab the cash without thinking. If you accept that first offer, you lose your right to ask for more money later, even if you find out you need surgery or more physical therapy. Adjusters may even use bullying tactics, telling you that the offer is only good for one day or that you do not need a lawyer to finish the deal.
Red Flags That You Need Local Legal Help
Not every minor fender bender requires a full legal team, but most serious accidents definitely do. If you see certain “red flags” during your claim, it is a sign that the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you. Ignoring these signs can lead to a settlement that leaves you buried in debt. A personal injury lawyer in Buffalo can spot these tricks early and stop them before they ruin your case.
- Liability is disputed: If the other driver claims the accident was your fault despite what the police report says, you need a lawyer to find the truth.
- Severe or permanent injuries: Any injury that requires long-term care, like a brain injury or a spinal cord issue, needs a professional to calculate future costs.
- The “final offer” is too low: When the insurance company refuses to pay enough to cover your current medical bills, you should contact a personal injury lawyer in Buffalo to negotiate for a better deal.
- Delayed communication: If the adjuster stops answering your calls or keeps asking for the same paperwork over and over, they might be trying to run out the clock on your legal rights.
- Pressure to give a recorded statement: Insurance companies love to record you when you are on pain meds or in shock, so they can twist your words later.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in New York
Before you decide to wait and see how you feel, you must remember that New York has strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and it acts as a countdown for your legal rights. If you wait until after this date to go to court, a judge will dismiss your case immediately, no matter how badly you were injured. In most personal injury cases in New York, you have exactly three years from the date of the accident to file your paperwork. However, if your accident involved a Buffalo city vehicle or a government building, that deadline can be as short as 90 days.
Fight for the Full Value of Your Buffalo Injury Claim
You deserve a settlement that accounts for every dollar you lost and every day of pain you endured. Professional legal guidance ensures that you are not bullied into a deal that only helps the insurance company’s shareholders. By building a strong case with evidence like witness statements and medical records, an attorney forces the other side to treat you with respect. Taking action today gives you the best chance to recover the money you need to rebuild your life and move forward with peace of mind.
