When you or a loved one suffers an injury as the result of somebody else’s negligent actions it seems logical that the person who caused the injury would offer to compensate you for your personal injury. It is widely believed by average Americans that most or all insurance companies who insure the defendant drivers will do the right thing and offer a fair settlement. However, the reality is that most defendants and their insurers refuse to take responsibility for their actions. In fact, it has become common-place for insurance companies to blame the victims for their own injuries. Insurance companies profit solely from under-compensating injury victims. Insurance companies and their defense lawyers know the law and have millions of dollars in resources to fight these claims. They know that most non-lawyers or unrepresented auto accident victims are unaware of the full extents of their legal rights and remedies available to them. Hiring an qualified Kansas City personal injury lawyer, such as those at McCollum & Griggs, LLC, will give you access to the guidance you need to learn your legal rights. Hiring a reputable personal injury law firm helps you build your case, especially when hired at the beginning of the accident process. Qualified personal injury attorneys are especially skilled in negotiating your case with the insurance company, and, if necessary, will take your case to a jury trial. While non-lawyers are capable of negotiating with the insurance company themselves, doing so without legal experience puts them at a distinct disadvantage with the insurance company. All insurance companies have the same objective — to pay the smallest amount possible for valid, claims. They will do anything possible to sway the balance in their direction during settlement negotiations. They routinely take advantage of their greater knowledge of the law over non-lawyers and use it to accomplish the lowest possible settlement. Experienced personal injury attorneys are invaluable in dealing with all types of insurance companies. They take into consideration all forms of insurance available to clients, including their own insurance. A good number of people do not comprehend that they may have underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). UIM is often said to be a “gap” coverage for the amount of what the liable driver has in insurance limits and what you have in insurance limits. For example, if you purchase $100,000.00 in UIM motorist coverage and the other driver has only $25,000.00 in insurance coverage your policy would pay up to an added $75,000.00 in coverage for your case. However, this may not always the case depending on your policy. You have to read carefully to know precisely what your policy affords to understand what you have and exactly how much coverage is available. During discussions to settle insurance companies routinely attempt to obtain statements through confusing and vague questioning in an attempt to harm your position should you ultimately decide to sue. Knowledgeable personal injury lawyers, such as the Kansas City personal injury law firm of McCollum & Griggs, LLC, will lead you through the process and protect your rights A personal injury attorney (see: Kansas City personal injury attorneys) is in the best position to obtain a favorable settlement on your behalf. Most often a client’s settlement or judgment obtained with representation significantly exceeds what could have obtained on their own, even after attorney fees are deducted. Contact the experienced Kansas City personal injury attorneys at McCollum & Griggs for help with your personal injury case. David L. McCollum is a Kansas City personal injury attorney with the law firm of McCollum & Griggs, LLC in Kansas City, MO. McCollum & Grigg’s practice areas include catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, vehicle accidents, bar & restaurant liability, insurance litigation and drunk driving accidents.