Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be just as stressful as the accident itself, especially when it comes to negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies are known for trying to pay accident victims less than they deserve by using experienced insurance adjusters, making negotiations difficult.
It is essential to be well-prepared for this process. Therefore, seeking legal support is highly recommended to ensure you do not miss anything or are not taken advantage of and settle for less than the compensation you deserve.
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims to determine the amount an insurance company should pay for damages resulting from an accident. Insurance companies hire them to help minimize the settlement offer they have to pay you.
Be prepared for the possibility that the other party may challenge the evidence and the extent of your injuries, or even try to discredit your character in order to avoid fully compensating you. By understanding these tactics, you can confidently assert your position and resist the pressure to accept a lesser settlement offer.
Medical Records: These records will help validate that doctors and nurses have properly examined you so the other party can’t undermine the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained from the accident.
Surveillance Footage: Obtaining CCTV footage or dashcam copies from the scene of the accident can serve as strong evidence to support claims.
Police Report: Securing a copy of the official police report filed during the accidents is vital, as it may contain crucial details and evidence that could significantly help your case.
Media Documentation: Photos and videos of the vehicles’ damages, the position of the vehicles involved, and injuries of both parties, as they are important pieces of evidence as well.
Contact a Seasoned Lawyer
Getting into a car accident is unexpected and something that no one anticipates. Knowing how to negotiate a cash settlement with a car insurance company is not a priority for most people.
Hence, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a highly experienced personal injury lawyer who has extensive knowledge about insurance claims. This will ensure that you get the right compensation for your damages and injuries. Before initiating a negotiation offer to the at-fault party’s insurance company, ensure you have strong evidence and proper documentation to support your claim.
Medical Records:
These records will help validate that doctors and nurses have properly examined you so the other party can’t undermine the severity of the injuries you’ve sustained from the accident.
Surveillance Footage:
Obtaining CCTV footage or dashcam copies from the scene of the accident can serve as strong evidence to support claims.
Police Report:
Securing a copy of the official police report filed during the accidents is vital, as it may contain crucial details and evidence that could significantly help your case.
Media Documentation:
Photos and videos of the vehicles’ damages, the position of the vehicles involved, and injuries of both parties, as they are important pieces of evidence as well.
This level of preparation is key to avoiding any potential loopholes since insurance adjusters will try anything to reduce compensation. This step also helps strengthen your position in negotiation.
Initiate the Negotiation Process Immediately
In order to ensure that your negotiation efforts are successful, it’s important to start the process as soon as possible. Once you have gathered all of the necessary information related to your claim, you should file it right away.
Any delays can potentially weaken the value of your evidence or create misunderstandings, so it’s crucial to submit your claim promptly to maintain the integrity of your case.
Determine the Settlement Amount
It is crucial to accurately determine the settlement amount when negotiating with the insurance company. With the assistance of your lawyer, evaluate the damages resulting from the accident. This involves assessing property damage, medical expenses, lost income, as well as economic and non-economic losses.
Stand Firm and Negotiate
When negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company and adjuster, be firm and stand your ground. Don’t give in to the pressure of accepting the counteroffer, especially if you have the evidence to back up your claim.
It’s important to be aware that the other party may try to reach an agreement at a lower amount than your initial asking. Agreeing to their counteroffer not only makes the process easier for them, but also undermines all the efforts you and your lawyer have made to build your case.
Document the Settlement Agreement
It is crucial to meticulously document every aspect of your settlement agreement in writing. This should encompass not only the specific terms of the agreement but also any assurances or commitments made by the insurance company. By obtaining written confirmation, you can ensure that all involved parties have a clear understanding of the settlement, thereby safeguarding your interests.
Seek Legal Assistance From an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Negotiating a cash settlement with insurance companies can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you have limited knowledge of the process. Without the necessary support, you may end up being offered a low settlement amount, which means accepting a offer that is much lower than what you’re entitled to. This can be frustrating and leave you feeling cheated.
Here at Jones Wilson Injury Lawyers, we recognize the impact that personal injury can have on you and your family, both physically and financially. That’s why we are committed to offering outstanding legal support and advocating tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Our highly skilled car accident lawyers in Henderson will work closely with you to build a strong case and help you navigate the legal process with ease. Schedule a free consultation with us today.