Car Accident & Personal Injury Claims
How to Handle a Low Offer from the Insurance Company
When you file a personal injury claim after you were in a car accident, you will most likely have to negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies want to make a profit and so they do not always have a plaintiff’s best interests in mind. Even if you have a solid case and have proved a liability, the insurance provider might still offer you a low settlement. Here are three tips on how to handle a low offer from the insurer.
Be Cordial and Ask Questions
If you feel like a settlement is too low, you should remain polite. If you become angry, you could harm your case. Instead, stay polite and ask questions about the evaluation process. Ask the adjuster the reason for the offer and he or she may be able to guide you through his or her process. This can make it a lot easier to come up with a counteroffer.
Do not come up with a counteroffer right away, however. Ask questions but always discuss the offer with your legal representative(s).
Contact Your Lawyer
Your lawyer would be able to tell you if an insurance provider offered you too low of a settlement. Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurers and so he or she will be able to guide you on what to do next. He or she will advise you to document everything. You need to have documentation of all of your injuries, lost wages, and any damage you sustained during the accident. The more paperwork that you have, the stronger your case will be. Your lawyer can help you present the case to the insurance providers.
Submit a Counteroffer
A lawyer will help you calculate a counteroffer. Respond in writing to the insurance company and provide them with documentation as well as a counteroffer that you think is fair. If the insurance company tries to delay your claim or continues to offer an unreasonably low settlement, do not accept it. Talk with your lawyer and then decide if you may have to bring the case to trial.
Most personal injury claims are settled out of court. To avoid a low settlement, discuss your options with an attorney. He or she has negotiation experience and will be able to calculate the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies sometimes rely on people to take the first offer that they receive, so make sure to give it some thought. A car accident lawyer from a firm like John K. Zaid & Associates may be able to help you in your case.