Managing Unfair Settlement Offers from Insurance Companies
If you have been in a car accident at the fault of another driver, chances are you have considered pursuing an insurance claim as a way to recoup your losses. While much of the time your car accident lawyer will recommend that you attempt to settle with the insurance company rather than file a lawsuit, it’s important to be aware that the process can be stressful and even complicated at times. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case and will take the time to carefully review the details. It’s important to keep in mind that the insurance adjuster will be looking for any reason to mitigate the extent of your losses or assign fault to you so that they can provide you with a claim denial or lowball offer. Working with a car accident lawyer plays a crucial role in helping you get the compensation you are entitled to. A lawyer can help prove your claim, negotiate your settlement and prevent you from accepting an offer that is lower than it should be.
Building Your Case
Your car accident lawyer will work with you to build your case so that you have the best chance at obtaining a fair settlement offer. Doing this alone can be challenging as it’s not likely that you will be sure of how to value your settlement. Many may even forget to include key elements that should be included when valuing their car accident claim. This can result in obtaining a settlement that is far less than what you deserve. When building your case, you will need to:
- Gather all evidence pertaining to your case, this may include:
- Photos
- Witness Statements
- Medical Documentation
- Police Reports
- +More
- Present the evidence in a way that proves the other party is liable
- Assign clear value to your case
- Develop a detailed and well outlined demand letter
Not only can a car accident lawyer assist you with the claims process, they can also help you manage any complications should they arise.
Don’t Let a Lowball Offer Scare You
Once an insurance adjuster has reviewed your case, much of the time a lowball offer can be expected. Should this occur, it’s important to keep your cool. Many panic when the insurance company comes back with an offer that is well below what you deserve. You may even be left wondering whether you have no other choice but to accept the offer. This is where a car accident lawyer with experience in negotiation and car accident claims can come in handy. They will be able to take the time to understand the reason behind the lowball offer. They will then begin the negotiation process and craft a response that helps to justify the need for a stronger offer.
An Attorney Can Help Negotiate
Although you have the ability to pursue your accident case pro se, or on your own, it may not be the best option for you. Car accident claims can quickly become complicated. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone representing themselves to accept an offer that is far less than they deserve. The negotiation process can be incredibly stressful. Working with a car accident attorney ensures that you have an experienced negotiator by your side for help. Not only will they help prepare your case, they will also know when the time is right to continue negotiations or accept the settlement offer.
For more information about how a car accident lawyer can help you negotiate your car accident settlement, contact an experienced and reputable lawyer in your area today.
Thanks to our friends from Cohen & Cohen for their insight into car accident settlements.
