Mistake #1
Allowing the insurance company to make you
feel guilty for bringing a claim
Almost every person who comes to our office seeking answers to their legal questions indicates, almost in a guilty voice, that he or she is not the type to sue. We understand that no one wants to sue another person or be involved in litigation.
What you need to realize is that the insurance industry, in an attempt to protect its bottom line, makes people feel guilty for bringing a claim—and even worse, for hiring a lawyer to protect their interests! They want you to believe that all personal injury claims are frivolous, and that anyone who files a lawsuit after an accident is doing so because he or she is a greedy, sue-happy person. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The individuals we have helped over the years are honest, hard-working people with legitimate claims who simply need help recovering what they’ve lost after an accident. If this was not true, why would nearly 90% of all personal injury claims in Idaho be settled by the insurance companies without ever having to file a lawsuit?
This is insurance company propaganda at its best, as well as an attempt by the insurance companies to protect their profits by persuading accident victims to accept quick or small settlements. We are proud of our clients for recognizing these deceitful tactics and standing up to the insurance companies. The innocent victims who defend themselves from being taken advantage of, who fight to be fairly compensated, or who seek the advice of an attorney, are not greedy. Oftentimes, it is just the opposite. The people willing to seek counsel and protect themselves from injustice are usually the people who end up getting fair compensation. Getting what is owed under the law is not greed. The parties who refuse to pay what they owe, on the other hand, squarely fall into the “greedy” category, in our opinion.
Idaho is full of peaceful, kind, non-confrontational people, but when an insurance adjuster tries to convince you to drop a claim or accept less than you deserve, don’t give up! By refusing to give in, you protect not only your own rights but also those of your family members, friends, neighbors, and members of your community. When insurance companies are not held accountable, it encourages dangerous behavior at the expense of the community’s financial resources and safety.