Bernie Tully Personal Injury Lawyer. Phone: 412-281-8700
Pittsburgh Injury Lawyer Bernie Tully is here to talk to you about what we call the zero-credit rule in an injury case. In an injury case, this applies when the insurance company for the other side gives you ZERO credit if you simply “tough it out” and do not seek any medical treatment for your accident-related pain and suffering.
Zero-Credit Rule Example
Let us say you are rear-ended and injured in an auto accident that was caused by the other driver BUT you do not go to the doctor despite the fact you are in pain. Well, you will get zero credit for living with your pain and deciding not to get medical treatment. Insurance companies have said to us, “If your client was hurt, they would have gotten treatment.” When we hear this from the insurance company, we explain that our client was trying to continue living their lives despite the pain and are also not trying to milk their claim for more than it is worth. While this works sometimes, many times the insurance company just does not believe you were hurt if you do not seek treatment for your injuries.
If you are hurt in an auto accident, please go to the doctor to get better because if you just decide to live through the pain, the insurance company will give you zero credit. However, if you are not hurt, then do not seek medical treatment. We will collaborate with you and your doctors to get your records so we can document that you are getting treatment. Proving you are getting real, documented treatment is the route to go. We find this does increase the value of your claim. However, if you are sitting at home trying to live with the pain, or doing home exercises, you are fighting an uphill battle. A zero-credit battle.
How We Can Help
Even if we do not represent you and you try to do it yourself, at least give us a call and we will tell you what insurance companies do and do not value. Again, the zero-credit rule applies. Bernard Tully discusses the zero-credit rule in the book he wrote on injury cases!
Our main focus is honesty. We always preach it. We are passionate about trying to help you! Questions about the blog? CALL US Today!
Bernard Tully Pittsburgh Attorney. 412-281-8700 or 1-800-518-0050