In an effort to save money and resolve a situation quickly, some accident victims are tempted to deal directly with the insurance company rather than hire a personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, doing so is almost always a mistake, resulting in delays and a much smaller final settlement amount. According to Pater, Pater & Halverson Co., one of Hamilton, OH's most established personal injury firms, every accident victim should remember that the insurance company has their own priorities, which rarely align with yours.

Below are a few reasons why you should be skeptical of the insurance company:

• Their Profit Margin: Insurance providers maintain profitability by collecting as much as possible in premiums while paying as little as possible in claims. No matter how friendly or concerned they may appear, the insurance adjuster's job is to devalue your claim or find a reason to deny it altogether, while your legal representative will do the opposite.
• Intentional Delays: Even when insurance companies can't deny your claim outright, they may engage in delay tactics and draw out the process in the hopes that you'll simply abandon it or accept a lower offer. However, an attorney with personal injury experience will be familiar with all of these legal maneuvers, as well as the methods for counteracting them.
• Independent Medical Examinations: Many insurance companies will request independent reviews of your medical conditions and refer you to their own doctors, many of whom may have the insurance company's best interests in mind. When this happens, your attorney will be able to assemble the proper evidence to demonstrate why you still need treatment.

For over 100 years, Hamilton residents have relied on Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. for help with collecting compensation for their damages and negotiating with insurance carriers. Visit their website to learn more about their long-standing reputation in the community, or call (513) 867-1411 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. You can also find the law firm on Facebook and Twitter.