Dealing with insurers following a car accident is tricky. If you want to bring an injury claim, you may have to negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurer at some point. After a car accident, you may not be in your right state of mind. Handling your medical bills, recovery, and other stressors can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters are aware of this and may take advantage of you. Although the whole process can be daunting, you do not need to go through this alone. A Ponton Law car accident attorney in Alpharetta can help you navigate your case. But even with an attorney on your side, you should understand the basics of settlement negotiations to avoid ruining your settlement.
What Insurers Want when Dealing with Claims
Before you learn about effective settlement negotiations, you must understand the goals of the insurance company. The company is looking to pay you the smallest amount of compensation possible. They are focused on maximizing their profits and protect their bottom line. The insurer may process your claim quickly and pay you an amount you do not deserve. Their settlement offer may seem decent, but you must not accept it outright. It’s best to speak with your attorney first, so you know how to obtain a reasonable settlement.
Tips When Negotiating with an Insurance Company
To ensure you have leverage when you negotiate with an insurance company, below are steps you must take:
- Report the crash immediately. After the car crash, contact your insurer right away. The sooner you bring a claim, the better your position. You still have clear memories of what happened and how the crash took place. Thus, you can narrate the details correctly, even the smallest ones, and report your injuries.
- Keep records. Take detailed records of the crash to make the settlement process smoother. Accident records must include the official police report, photos of the crash scene, injury documentation, vehicle repair bills, and medical bills.
- Determine the value of your damages. Before you can send a demand letter to the insurer, ensure you have an estimate of your damages. The estimated amount must include your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, vehicle repair costs, and long-term care and disability costs. Your attorney can determine the value of your claim based on these elements.
- Send a demand letter. Once your damages have been calculated, your attorney can send a demand letter to the insurer. The letter contains information about the injuries you have suffered, the medical treatment and care you got, vehicle damage, and other losses that resulted from the negligence of the other driver. Also, the letter must spell out the amount you think would cover your damages.
- Do not accept the initial settlement offer. The insurer may send the letter back with a counteroffer. Your attorney will advise against accepting the first offer as this may be lowballed. The insurer may be testing to know if you are aware of your case’s worth. Ask the insurer for reasons they make a lowball offer. Then, write a letter that responds to the factors they provided you with and see if they can make a better offer.
- Highlight your emotional pain. During negotiations, you do not have to rehash the factors again and again. The insurer can see this on paper. But you should emphasize important points that benefit your claim. For example, if your injury has long-term effects, mention these in the letter and include how they impact your family.
- Consult with a lawyer. Your lawyer ensures you follow the proper procedures and increases your chances of securing maximum compensation for your losses. They can handle communications and negotiations with the insurer for you.
