How to Successfully Negotiate a Personal Injury Claim
The law holds negligent parties responsible for the harm they cause to others. If you suffered a personal injury, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else was to blame - usually through their insurance coverage.
Many people underestimate what they might recover financially for their injuries. However, even if you have calculated the accurate compensation to seek, chances are slim the insurance company will agree to pay that amount.
Receiving a settlement offer that is far lower than you deserve can be stressful and disheartening, though it is not the end of the road. You have the right to negotiate with the insurance company and demonstrate that you deserve much more for your losses.
But how do you successfully negotiate the settlement you deserve? Your first step is to contact a Gwinnett County personal injury attorney.
Why Negotiations are Often Necessary
In an ideal world, you would file an insurance claim to cover your losses, and the insurer of the liable party would offer you a fair settlement. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses, which means they care about profits, bottom lines, and shareholder reports. The less these companies pay in claim settlements, the better for them.
This means that most settlement offers begin quite low. Some claimants without legal representation fail to realize they have other options, and they accept a lowball settlement offer. This is a huge mistake. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and request more money once you realize the amount was insufficient. Instead, you can be stuck covering losses for injuries that were someone else’s fault.
The important thing to remember is you always have the ability to negotiate. Insurance adjusters are sophisticated and have great experience negotiating claims. You need an experienced legal representative negotiating for you.
How a Lawyer Negotiates a Fair Injury Settlement
Personal injury lawyers regularly negotiate with insurers, and we know how these companies work. Some ways we seek full compensation for injured clients include:
- Ensuring you have accurate calculations of your past and future medical bills
- Providing supporting documentation for all your lost wages
- Accounting for any of your out of pocket expenses as a result of your injuries. I.E. wheelchair ramps or other special accommodations
- Obtaining witness statements, 911 records, and video from responding officers or businesses demonstrating the seriousness of the accident and your injuries
- Challenging insurance company claims of comparative fault, pre-existing conditions, and other complex legal issues
- Advising you how to document and maximize your claim, such as by completing all recommended medical treatment at reputable medical practices
- Informing the insurance company that you are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit if they do not make a fair offer
Perhaps most importantly, your attorney will review all offers and advise you when an offer is fair or not. While the decision to accept a settlement is yours, you have a reliable advisor who will help you make fully informed decisions on whether to settle your claim or take the matter to civil court.
Seek Help from a Gwinnett County Personal Injury Attorney
The personal injury attorneys of Banks, Stubbs & McFarland have extensive experience negotiating claims. We are also not hesitant to file a lawsuit if insurance companies refuse to cooperate and do the right thing for you. Contact us for a free case evaluation as soon as possible.