Steps for Successful Negotiation in a Car Accident Claim
Many people do not realize that only about 5% of car accident claims actually make it to trial. The rest are settled with the insurer before they even have the chance to get to trial. Your attorney will make you aware of the fact that there are many negotiation techniques that can make you reach maximum compensation in your case. By understanding the legal process and its terms, you will be able to achieve the reimbursement you deserve for a wide array of losses.
Working Toward a Successful Negotiation
Establishing Your Claim: There are many steps that you can take to protect your claim before it even starts. Establishing your claim means building a police report with law enforcement officials, receiving prompt medical care, and gathering as much evidence at the scene as possible before it completely disappears. Your attorney will guide you through these steps to ensure that nothing is missed because, without crucial evidence, you might not be able to achieve the compensation you deserve later on down the line.
From there, you and your attorney will likely draft a notification letter to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This will let them know about your intentions to file a claim so that everybody is prepared for the negotiations that will ensue.
Getting Ready for Insurance Negotiation: If you plan on bringing an injury claim against the other party, you will have to prove that the party caused your accident and is actually responsible for your injuries. This means showing that there was a duty of care, that the party breached this duty of care, and that you suffered damages as a result. By determining these pieces and collecting supportive evidence, you will be able to receive the best results in your claim.
Making Compensation Demand: You also need to know how much you are owed if you plan on bringing a demand for compensation. There are many costs that you will look at including medical care bills, therapy bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and more. It can be difficult to calculate these damages on your own, which is where the help from your attorney comes in.
Negotiating Settlement Amount: The first time the insurance adjuster takes a look at what you have offered, they will likely attempt to give you a lowball offer to get the ball rolling. Adjusters are just looking for a quick way to settle with you but, if you are owed large amounts of compensation, it is in your best interest to hold out. If you state that you have a certain number in mind that you are not going to move from, the insurance adjuster will have to meet you somewhere.
Finalizing Your Negotiation: Finally, you will reach the settlement amount that is right for you – but this is not the end. No, you will have to instead confirm the amount in an agreement that your attorney helps you draft. From there, you will receive the compensation that is owed to you by the insurance company.
How an Attorney Can Help with Negotiations
Negotiating a fair settlement is not always an easy thing to do and you might be shown numbers that do not work for you. As such, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled car accident attorney to retain your rights and so that you can grasp a better understanding of how the process works. At Sheftall & Associates, our experienced and compassionate attorneys will not leave you hanging when it comes to your claim. We want what is best for you and will stop at nothing to ensure that this happens. Please contact our law firm in Florida at 904-647-2296 for more information on how we can assist you.