Filing an injury claim isn’t as simple as many people assume. Over my decade-long career fighting for injury victims, I’ve seen far too many people make mistakes simply because they didn’t have the right information from the start. That’s why I’m sharing the key things I wish everyone knew before filing an injury claim.
Injury Lawyer Tate Meagher
Offices in Louisville and Shepherdsville, Kentucky (Serving all of Kentucky)
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, understanding these key points can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.
1. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about injury claims is that they’re resolved quickly. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Insurance companies aren’t in a hurry to pay you, and it’s usually not a good idea to settle your claim too soon.
Why? Because until you’ve completed your medical treatment or reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), you won’t fully know the value of your claim. Settling too early can mean accepting an amount that doesn’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term effects of your injury.
Additionally, insurance companies drag out cases on purpose in hopes that you’ll settle for less just to get it over with. The truth is, some cases take months or even years. Patience is key to getting the best outcome.
2. The Insurance Company Is NOT Your Friend
I know this might sound harsh, but it’s the reality. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly and helpful on the phone, but their job is not to get you the compensation you deserve—it’s to save their company money.
Many insurance companies train adjusters to build trust with injury victims, hoping they can get you to share information that could hurt your case. Even if an adjuster seems nice, remember that their goal is to minimize your payout.
If you’re handling your claim without a lawyer, be extremely cautious about what you say to the insurance company. You might unknowingly provide information they can use against you.
3. Settlements Aren’t Always Quick, But They’re Very Common
Most people assume that if they file an injury claim, they’ll end up in court. But the truth is, the vast majority of injury cases settle before trial—many don’t even make it to court.
Insurance companies don’t want the risk or cost of a trial, so they’ll usually make a fair offer if you pressure them enough. However, their first offer is rarely their best.
That’s why you should never rush to accept an initial settlement. Instead, negotiate and be prepared to push your case forward in litigation if necessary. That’s often the only way to get what you truly deserve.
4. The Severity of Your Injury Matters—But So Do Insurance Limits
Your settlement isn’t just about how severe your injury is. The amount of insurance or financial resources available also plays a huge role.
Even if you have a serious injury, if the person who hit you has no insurance, no job, and no assets, you may not be able to recover much—no matter how strong your case is.
In every high-value case I’ve handled, there was not only a serious injury but also a significant amount of insurance coverage or other financial resources to pursue. That’s why it’s crucial to determine early on what coverage is available before making assumptions about how much you can recover.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush, Don’t Settle for Less
If you’ve been injured, take your time and don’t let an insurance company pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
Also, consult with a personal injury attorney. Almost every injury lawyer I know offers free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting professional advice.
If you’re in Kentucky, I’d be happy to speak with you personally to help you understand your rights and what your claim might be worth.
