Insurance companies spend a great deal of time and money analyzing the habits of the public. The more they know about our motivations for doing the things we do, the better they can adapt their marketing to more accurately attract new customers. This interest in understanding human behavior was partly responsible for a recent IRC (Insurance Research Council) study that discussed the reasons that individuals turn to a car accident attorney to fight their case.
The Study Uncovers a Surprising Find
It’s been a longstanding rumor that most people hire personal injury attorneys when there’s a delay in getting a settlement. While that may have been true at one time, that no longer seems to be the case. According to the recent IRC survey, about 33 percent of people consult a lawyer on the recommendation of friends and relatives.
Additionally, the study found that 20 percent consulted an attorney on their own to try to get the highest possible settlement. Another 16 percent reported that they went to a personal injury lawyer on the advice of their doctor. Putting these numbers together, the study suggests that almost half of the population (49 percent) will consult a lawyer on the suggestion of a friend, relative, or their doctor after suffering a car accident.
Other Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
The IRC report found that there were a few other common reasons people consulted a lawyer after a car accident:
- Delay in settlement
- Personal injury lawyers advertising
- A low initial settlement offer
- The motorist was uninsured
- Coverage denial
- A lawyer contacted them first
- Issues with collision or rental coverage
Insurance companies provide services as for-profit organizations. This means they’re going to try to save as much money as possible on claims payouts. They will try to mitigate what they have to pay and offer early settlements that won’t cover the full amount of damages.
For this reason, it’s essential to approach a negotiation with an insurance representative cautiously. Most people understand this, which is why accident victims typically talk to a lawyer within the first two weeks following their accident. While the choice is up to you, those who do hire a personal injury attorney are generally more satisfied with the outcome of their cases than those who do not hire legal counsel.
Contact a Local Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney
Call E. Orum Young at 318-450-6453 to talk to an experienced lawyer who can help you advance your car accident case. Our attorneys will provide you with a free in-depth consultation that can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
