How to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

---

Managing the aftermath of an automobile accident can be difficult, particularly with increasing financial demands. While insurance firms may suggest settlements that undervalue your claim, you have agency. Negotiating actively will help you to clearly express your losses and pursue just pay. Below, we list important bargaining methods for auto accident settlements and provide doable advice to maximize your outcomes.

Value Your Damages

Understanding the goal of the negotiation is the first step. Determine the exact value of every damage you might be entitled to. Learn about the several kinds of damages that you can receive in an auto accident, such as lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation services, property damage, and psychological and physical pain.

While you don't want to ask for too much, you don't want to exclude anything. After you have a realistic estimate of the claim's worth, you can go to the insurance provider with a settlement strategy in place.

Don’t Be Shocked By a Low Offer From the Insurer

The insurance company needs the case settled at the lowest possible amount, even if you desire the best compensation. If they begin with a modest offer, never be taken aback. They hope you will see that you have to accept any offer they present.

The insurance company's unfair behavior may irritate and anger you. Remember, they are employing an insurance strategy hoping you would bite and settle the matter for far less than it is worth. A Horst Shewmaker Augusta car accident lawyer can help you navigate this process and fight for your deserved compensation. Don't let the insurance company's tactics discourage you from seeking what is fair and just.

Keep Clear Records of Your Damages

Insurance companies demand that claimants prove every loss they claim, from the expense of medical treatment and lost pay to pain and suffering and mental anguish, a claimant must have some kind of proof establishing the presence of these damages during settlement negotiations.

It is necessary to record all of your medical bills and expenses, any lost work, and any kind of record indicating how your injuries have prevented you from engaging in activities vital to your life and how you have been feeling following your accident.

Be Patient but Persistent

For many applicants, negotiating with insurance providers can take several months, which would seem somewhat long. Adjusters rely on the reality that many applicants just want the whole process to stop and have money in hand. They entice victims with quick, simple payouts significantly less than they should get.

You are more likely to acquire reasonable compensation if you are tenacious and patient. Remember that adjusters have limited time to resolve claims and that, by law, the process cannot run indefinitely. You should constantly monitor the chronology and expect quick results.

Ask for All Communication in Writing

Should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, you want everything in writing. Ask for the insurance company's verbal offer to settle your claim in writing. Before signing, always carefully review every document to be sure you grasp the fine print. You do not want to unintentionally release the corporation from liability for your claim based on signing a document you do not fully comprehend, which could damage your claim.

Endnote

Getting a good insurance settlement for accident damages mostly depends on your negotiations with the claims adjuster. Having an experienced negotiator can have a significant impact on your case. You can get assistance from a knowledgeable local auto accident lawyer with the settlement of your case and any other claims you might have.

---

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.