It is understandable why no two personal injury claims are the same, just as no two accidents or injuries are the same. Personal injury claims are extremely complicated as a result. There isn’t a pre-made template that attorneys can utilize repeatedly, and you need a solid plan once the bargaining process for the personal injury settlement in your case gets heated. It’s a good idea to start by using these settlement tips.
Be Wary of First Offers
Insurance adjusters frequently start their offers in talks by making relatively low ones. The adjuster is attempting to gauge your comprehension of the value of your claim and your patience. When a first offer is made, how you respond should depend on whether it is realistic but too low or too low that it is simply a ruse to test your competence.
If the offer is fair, you can make a counteroffer slightly less than your demand letter amount, demonstrating to the adjuster that you are reasonable and open to making concessions as well. A final settlement sum should be reached with a bit of additional haggling.
Have a reasonable figure in mind
You established a range for the value of your claim while drafting your personal injury settlement demand letter. Decide a minimum settlement amount you would accept within that range before speaking with an insurance adjuster about your demand. You should not disclose this amount to the adjuster for your own knowledge alone.
However, it helps if you already have your bottom line in mind before exchanging offers and counteroffers begin. Remember that you don’t have to stick to the goal you had for yourself. You could have to lessen your claim if the adjuster brings up the information you had overlooked but blatantly weakens it.
Stress the Emotional Aspects in Your Favor
Mention any sentiments that can help your case during the negotiation. For instance, refer to the potential for alcohol consumption if a beer bottle was discovered in the other driver’s vehicle. Mention the consequences for your child if your injury made it difficult for you to care for them.
These elements can be quite effective in persuading an insurance provider to settle an accident claim, even though it is impossible to put a monetary value on them. Click here to learn more.
Understand When to Hire a Lawyer
You might think about speaking to a personal injury attorney if you feel that discussions are not going the way you’d hoped at any point, especially if:
- You want more than just a few thousand dollars in restitution for your severe injuries, misery, and suffering. When the claimed damages total tens of thousands of dollars or more, an insurance adjuster is unlikely to take an unrepresented claimant seriously.
- Your request is for future damages. If you wish to properly incorporate future lost wages or future medical care costs into a settlement, you may want to see a lawyer.
- A question of liability exists. You might require a lawyer to construct your case effectively if there is debate over who was responsible for the accident.
