Imagine cycling through Chicago’s streets when suddenly a car door opens in your path. You crash, sustain injuries and face mounting medical bills. The driver’s insurance company offers a settlement that barely covers your emergency room visit.
This scenario happens daily to cyclists across America. Insurance companies prioritize their profits above all else by employing specific tactics to minimize payouts to injured cyclists, leaving victims struggling with medical expenses and lost wages.
Insurance company tactics against cyclists
Here are some reasons insurers offer low settlements:
- Profit motivation: Insurance companies increase profits by paying as little as possible on claims.
- Initial offers test your knowledge: They start low to see if you’ll accept without negotiation.
- They count on your urgent financial needs: Medical bills pile up while you recover, creating pressure to accept quick settlements.
- Insurers downplay injury severity: They may claim your injuries aren’t serious or existed before the accident.
- They question liability: Even with clear evidence, they might argue you share fault for the accident.
Insurers have teams of adjusters and lawyers who know the legal system and use it to their advantage. If you are an injured cyclist, it is best not to accept a low settlement without seeking legal help.
Why legal representation matters
Insurance adjusters handle thousands of claims yearly and know every trick to reduce payouts. Still, you are not without options. An attorney who specializes in cycling accidents can help you:
- Calculate the true value of your claim, including future medical needs.
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.
- Take your case to court if necessary.
Do not let insurance companies dictate what your cycling injury claim is worth. Level the playing field and fight for the full compensation you deserve under Illinois law.