In the wake of a personal injury, most victims assume that insurance companies exist to provide a safety net. However, the relationship between an injured party and an insurance carrier is often adversarial. In South Carolina, understanding the specific role these corporations play is vital to securing a fair settlement. At Mickle & Bass, we help clients navigate these complex interactions to ensure their rights are protected against profit-driven tactics.
Insurance companies are for-profit entities. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line. When an adjuster contacts you shortly after an accident, they are often seeking a recorded statement or a quick signature on a release form. These tactics are designed to lock you into a lower valuation before the full extent of your injuries is even known. Professional legal counsel is necessary to manage these communications and prevent self-incrimination.
The insurance company’s first task is to investigate liability. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence laws, if an insurer can shift even a small percentage of the blame onto you, they can significantly reduce your compensation. Furthermore, adjusters often focus strictly on the minimum policy limits rather than the actual damages incurred. We meticulously analyze all available policies, including umbrella and underinsured motorist coverage, to identify every possible source of recovery.
Insurers use complex algorithms and software programs to calculate settlement offers. These tools often fail to account for the human element of an injury, such as pain and suffering or the loss of quality of life. By providing a “lowball” initial offer, insurers hope victims will settle out of desperation. Our role is to provide a counter-valuation backed by medical evidence and economic projections that reflect the true cost of your recovery.
Most personal injury claims are settled through negotiation, but the role of the insurance company changes if they refuse to act in good faith. When an insurer denies a valid claim or offers an insulting settlement, litigation becomes necessary. The threat of a trial often forces insurance companies to re-evaluate their position. Having a firm that is willing to go to court ensures that the insurance company takes your demands seriously throughout the process.
Navigating insurance hurdles alone can be overwhelming during your physical recovery. Because insurance companies have teams of lawyers working for them, you deserve a team working for you. Mickle & Bass stands between you and the insurance company, handling every detail of the claim process. If you are dealing with an insurance carrier following an injury, contact us to ensure you are not leaving essential compensation on the table.