Insurance companies want us to believe that they will be there for us when something terrible happens. But that's not how insurance really works. Insurance is a for-profit business.

To keep earnings high, insurance companies will suggest to you the least amount they can get away with, hoping you'll take the first offer and sign away your right to recover a higher amount in the future.

We have seen insurance companies using these tricks, among others:

• Calling you to ask "friendly questions" that are actually designed to trick you into saying something that will damage your claim. For example, they could ask if "you are feeling better" or questions such as "how are you today." If you say, "Yes, I'm good," they might use your response to demonstrate that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim.
• Offering you money immediately, before you have any idea of what your injuries will cost. Taking this money often means forfeiting your right to get any further compensation.
• Blaming you for the accident or disputing the severity of your injuries.
• Tricking you into signing papers that may take away your rights to future compensation for medical bills, etc.

Insurance agents are highly trained and skilled in these tactics. It's hard for many car accident victims to recognize these traps or know how to respond.

Hiring a Dallas car crash lawyer puts you on equal standing with the insurance company and its teams of lawyers. Often, just by hiring a lawyer, you may be offered more money.

We don't think it's fair to ask you to pay out-of-pocket for an attorney, especially during a difficult time, such as after a car accident. So, at Lonati Law Firm:

• Your first consultation is always free
• You pay us nothing while we are working on your case*
• You don't pay us at all if we don't win money for you*

If we get you compensation for your accident, we'll take a percentage out at the end to cover our fee - that's all. We take the risk so that injured victims can get legal help when they need it most.

*The client typically pays court costs and additional expenses of legal action. Contingent fees are not permitted in all types of cases.

Many drivers believe they have full coverage but they are not insured for certain situations. There are multiple different types of insurance coverage and failing to have a certain one may limit recovery. Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage is coverage that compensates you when you are injured by an individual who has minimal insurance or no insurance at all. Medical payment coverage, also known as Medpay, pays your medical bills from a motor vehicle accident so that these expenses are not paid out of your pocket and you can maximize your recovery. Contact your insurance company and discuss what coverage you have, when the coverage is applicable and, if necessary hire an attorney if you believe your insurance company is trying to avoid paying a valid claim.