If you were injured in a car accident because of another person’s negligence, you can file an insurance claim to recover compensation for your injuries. You typically file the claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. Once you file a claim, you’ll eventually negotiate with a claims adjuster to determine your final payout. Please know that negotiating can be quite stressful and there are definite tips to coming out on top.

Don’t be Friends with the Adjuster

Insurance adjusters work for the insurer that you filed your claim with. Therefore, it’s in their best interests to pay you the least amount possible for your claim, since it would save their employers money. Many adjusters actually utilize several strategies designed to pay you less than what your claim is actually worth.

Given this reality, don’t try and buddy up to an adjuster. This doesn’t mean to treat the person rudely or with disrespect. You should still communicate with them professionally but treat them as an opponent rather than a friend

Calculate a Fair Settlement Amount

Try to determine what your claim is worth before commencing with negotiations. This gives you a goal when negotiations begin. You’ll want to reach a final settlement that is as close as possible to your calculated goal.

A fair settlement amount includes compensation for your:

• Medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Future lost earnings,
• Property damage,
• Out-of-pocket expenses, and
• Pain and suffering.

Focus on the Evidence That Helps You the Most

When negotiating, try to get the most favorable evidence in your case in front of the adjuster. For example, if you suffered a serious injury in a car accident and have pictures of it, make sure the adjuster sees them. When you highlight the most impactful evidence in your case, you increase the chances that the adjuster will agree with the settlement amount that you calculated.

Be Wary of an Adjuster’s First Offer

As stated above, some adjusters use certain strategies to minimize your claim amount. One strategy is for the adjuster to make you a lowball settlement offer in your first round of negotiations. If you take it, then the case is closed, and the insurer does not have to pay more.

Given this, be cautious with an adjuster’s first offer. If it seems unreasonably low, ask the adjuster why. Please also know that you are free to reject a low offer and make a counteroffer for a higher value.

Contact an Attorney for Help

Insurance companies often fight an insurance claim tooth and nail. For this reason, it is often wise to contact a skilled personal injury attorney to negotiate a claim on your behalf. Settlement figures are generally higher when an attorney does your negotiating. Further, note that you typically do not have to pay a lawyer unless he/she successfully settles a claim, and you obtain compensation.

Contact Douglas P. Levinson Today

If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, please know that the law offices of Douglas P. Levinson is here to help. I have been helping injury victims and families receive fair compensation for their personal injury accidents for over 20 years. Let me help you make informed choices about your legal issues so that you can focus on your health and healing.

I am experienced in all aspects of civil disputes and injury claims, and I personally handle or oversee every aspect of your case. Let me shoulder your burden until we achieve a fair and just result for your case. Contact me now for the quality legal help you deserve.