Getting hurt in a crash on I-91 or slipping near Union Station can leave you facing unexpected medical bills and lost income. An insurance company may sound helpful when you call, but its adjuster is focused on limiting what the company pays. Adjusters may use financial pressure to encourage you to accept a quick settlement before you know how serious your injuries are or what your recovery will cost. Knowing how to find a personal injury lawyer in Springfield can help you understand your rights and deal with the insurance company.
Adjusters Push for Fast Recorded Statements
Insurance representatives may call soon after a crash and ask you to give a recorded statement while you are still dealing with pain, stress, or medication. Some questions may be designed to get you to minimize your injuries or accept some blame for the accident. Even a simple comment like “I feel fine today” could later be used to argue that you were not seriously injured.
Your lawyer can handle these calls and help you avoid making statements that could hurt your claim. A personal injury attorney in Springfield can collect your medical records, obtain information from your doctors, and provide the insurance company with documentation of your injuries and treatment.
Insurers Offer Quick Settlements Before You Know Your Total Costs
An insurance adjuster may offer you a quick settlement while medical bills are still coming in and you are still recovering. If you are worried about rent, groceries, or missed paychecks, that money can be tempting. But accepting a settlement and signing a release can prevent you from seeking more money later if your injuries turn out to be more serious than expected.
A legal team can review your current and potential future expenses before settlement discussions begin.
- Medical experts – Doctors can review your injuries and treatment needs to help determine whether you may need future therapy or other medical care.
- Economic experts – Financial professionals can calculate lost wages and consider how your injuries may affect your future earnings.
Companies Blame New Injuries on Old Health Problems
Insurance adjusters may review your past medical records looking for previous injuries or health problems. If you injured your back five years ago, for example, the insurance company might argue that your current back pain comes from that earlier injury rather than the crash on Boston Road.
Your lawyer can use medical records and statements from your doctors to show what changed after the accident. This can help distinguish an old condition from new injuries or symptoms caused by the crash.
Adjusters Drag Their Feet and Run Out the Clock
Insurance companies may delay paperwork, request the same medical records more than once, or stop returning calls and emails. These delays can drag out your claim while the legal deadline gets closer.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 260, Section 2A, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury.
- Filing deadlines – If you do not file your lawsuit within the applicable deadline, you may lose your right to pursue the claim.
- City claims – Claims involving Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses or Springfield city property may involve additional notice requirements and deadlines.
Insurers Question Whether Your Medical Care Was Necessary
Adjusters may question whether certain treatment was necessary, including emergency room visits, physical therapy, or MRI scans. They may also challenge the cost of medical treatment.
Your lawyer can provide medical records, doctors’ reports, and treatment plans showing why you received each type of care. Documentation from your medical providers can help establish that your treatment was related to the injuries from the accident.
Take Action to Protect Your Claim
Insurance companies may use delays, low settlement offers, and disputes over medical treatment to reduce what they pay on a claim. Strong medical records, clear documentation, and timely legal action can help protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can handle communications with the insurance company, keep track of important deadlines, and pursue the compensation available under Massachusetts law.
