If you own a car, then accidents are inevitable. There is always the possibility of getting involved in an accident every time you are on the road. You need to know your responsibilities and rights after the accident, which was not your fault. You need to be aware of the steps to take so that you can get the deserved compensation. Some of the insurance companies take advantage of uninformed drivers and fleece them of their rightful payments. To make sure that it does not happen to you, keep in mind the following pieces of advice.
Have a Particular Figure in Mind
Before drafting your personal injury settlement demand letter, come up with an amount you think is reasonable. Decide on a minimum settlement amount you would accept before talking to an insurance adjuster. However, you do not have to hang on to the amount you set for yourself. You may have to lower your figure if the adjuster outlines factors that make your claim weaker. You can also revise the constitution upwards if you find proof that makes your claim stronger. Make sure you find out about some of the things that can affect the value of a car injury settlement.
Never Take the First Offer
Offering a low settlement amount the first time is a common tactic employed by insurance adjusters, and they use this practice to try and gauge if you understand the value of your claim. They also do it to test your patience. The way you respond should depend on the reasonability of the amount. If it is reasonable, you can make a counteroffer lower than the amount you demanded in your letter. Doing this displays your willingness to make a compromise. Emphasize the points that favor you and come up with an amount that is fair to both parties.
Contact an Attorney
It is in your best interest to hire a lawyer to help you with your injury claim. The attorney will ensure that your interests are represented and will defend your rights throughout the process. A good car accident lawyer should be able to help you do the following.
● Determine the value of your injuries
lawyers with experience in this field know the accurate weight of a claim and will make sure the settlement covers the full extent of the damages. These damages may be passed or expected losses in the future, such as medical bills and lost income.
● Prove liability for your damages
The most complicated segment of a car injury claim often proves that another individual’s actions caused your injuries. A helpful attorney should be able to build a strong case in your favor. She can do this by reconstructing the accident scene or by consulting medical experts.
● Negotiate with the insurance company
The attorney will negotiate with the insurance adjuster and handle all your claim details. Insurance companies are out to make a profit and will do anything to minimize the settlement. Your attorney will help you make statements crafted to your benefit and fight to get the compensation you deserve
● Negotiate a settlement
Before negotiating with an adjuster, contact an experienced lawyer. Adjusters are skilled negotiators, but so too are lawyers. The secret to getting a fair settlement has a great attorney. You can find a good Boston car accident lawyer to handle your claim. Most people tend to carry out the process by themselves, which has adverse effects on their claim. A lawyer always has the interests of the client at heart. Also, the attorney does not expect any payment until the claim is settled.
Be Patient and Persistence
Adjusters will do almost anything to make you too impatient to continue negotiating. Although you might have already waited a long time to get your records in order, do not rush your claim. This will make you accept a lower settlement than you deserve.
However, you should be persistent and keep the adjusters on their toes. Ensure the adjuster meets his deadlines to do something and if not, raise the matter with a supervisor. Make sure the adjuster understands that you are regularly and thoroughly keeping tabs on the claim. Show the adjuster that your claim is honest and you know how the process works.
Document the Settlement
When all the parties involved finally reach an agreement, confirm the deal in a letter to the insurance adjuster. To formalize the understanding and help in future reference. You may not know what issues about the settlement might arise in the future.
Negotiating a car injury claim can be a frustrating process. However, if carried out appropriately and informed, it should not be something to be worried about. Following the above steps will make things easier for you.