The Insurance Stall, Get a Lawyer

Allen Ritchie • November 16, 2017

Why won’t the insurance company pay up? Why is my case taking so long? Where is my money? These are questions you can hear at Thanksgiving dinner, football Saturdays and even lawyers’ offices. The answer can be one of many reasons, but there is one I have found that is more likely than the rest.

Here is the shocker to most people:  insurance companies make more on their investments than on their premiums. Yes, the longer they can keep your money the more they make. If they don’t pay quickly, they can make a nice profit; while you can’t pay your rent.

Another insurance company trick is trying to convince you to represent yourself. Of course you can, but you shouldn’t.

There are a lot of tricks that can be used to get you to settle for pennies on the dollar. I tell my clients that if it is a small amount, it is ok to try to negotiate it themselves. But I do warn them to assume everything they say is being recorded. The adjuster is not on their side and is looking for inconsistencies that might lower the amount the company has to pay. On a bigger claim, you really need a professional on your side.

Here is one other thing insurance companies don’t want you to know – adjusters tend to deal with people who have attorneys first. The reason is simple – having to deal with lawyers can cost an insurance company more money. The insurance company generally wants to get rid of possibly time-consuming cases quickly. My job is to make sure it is for top dollar.

If you have questions especially about injury law including car wrecks, slip and fall and wrongful death, you can talk with the lawyers at  Eiland and Ritchie  for free. There is no cost until we collect for you. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Personal Injury Attorney

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

By Steele Ritchie March 3, 2026
2026 Termite Damage Prevention Checklist for Alabama Homeowners
car driving towards the sunset  on the highway
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Car wreck in Alabama? Who pays medical bills first—ER, health insurance, or your policy? A plain-English guide with Mobile, AL resources.
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Truck crash in Alabama? Preserve black-box data and key records, avoid common mistakes, and protect your claim. Mobile, AL guidance.
By Steele Ritchie September 19, 2025
Left-turn motorcycle crashes in Alabama: why they happen, the evidence that proves fault, and first-48-hours steps. Free case review in Mobile.
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Alabama? (Married, Unmarried & Blended Families)
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Alabama: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Steele Ritchie July 29, 2025
Contributory Negligence in Alabama: How 1% Fault Can Sink Your Injury Claim (and How to Protect Your Case)
A pen is sitting on top of a piece of paper that says estate planning.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Wills vs. trusts in Alabama—what’s the difference, and which do you need? Learn how to protect your assets and plan for the future with Steele Ritchie.
A man is laying on the ground with an ambulance in the background.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Injured on unsafe property in Alabama? Learn your rights under premises liability law and how Steele Ritchie can help you recover compensation.
A man is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a judge 's gavel.
By Steele Ritchie July 24, 2025
Discover the key factors that determine personal injury case value in Alabama. Learn what your claim may be worth and how to protect your rights.
Show More