If you are planning to file a personal injury claim, you need to make sure that you receive full compensation for your injuries. To properly recover, you need to get the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet. The actions and decisions you take following your injury will play a huge role in how you settle your claim and the amount of your compensation. There are certain things that need to be done once you have made your claim in order to get the most of it and arrive at the best possible solution. But first you need to understand what aspects you are in control of and what you can change to maximize your benefits. While working with an attorney is your best chance, start here to learn how to resolve these cases.
Here's what you can do to find the best solution for your personal injury case.
Know your target billing amount
Before discussing your personal injury claims settlement with the insurance provider, you need to consider a comparative figure or range that will determine which offers are acceptable and which are not. Keep this amount or number in mind and do not give it to the adjuster as the offers will go back and forth in your case. You don't have to stick to this number and turn down all lower offers. Sometimes the adjuster can raise some key points regarding your injury that can weaken your case. In this case, you may need to lower the amount you want. However, as you point out new evidence to strengthen your claim, you can step up the number and ask for more.
Avoid jumping on the first offer
It is known that insurance specialists follow a common practice by which they can determine whether or not the applicant understands the value of their claim. They start their negotiations with very small amounts to test your patience, reaction, and understanding of your claim. Your response after receiving the first offer should be different depending on whether you are getting a slightly low but reasonable offer or an offer that is so low that it is obvious that the insurance provider is testing your plan. If the offer is reasonable but too low compared to your requirements, you can make a counteroffer that is lower than your original requirement to show the adjuster that you are fair.
Explain why the supply is insufficient
The first rejection of settlement you made shows the Adjusters that you have a strong legal argument and understand how much your harm is worth. Make it clear to them that you understand your entitlement and that you will do everything possible to obtain legitimate compensation. Explain how the injury will cause you problems in the future, and how the accident could cause future harm if you try to make up for the losses. By explaining your key points and using them in your favor, you are showing the Adjusters that you have a strong argument that deserves substantial compensation.
Talk to a lawyer
You should consider speaking to a personal injury attorney if the negotiations are not going well for you. Virginia-based personal injury attorneys claim that if you are seeking serious injury compensation in excess of a few thousand dollars, you particularly need an attorney. Insurance specialists are less likely to take an unrepresented case seriously if the damage is more than a few thousand dollars. You will also need a personal injury attorney if you are seeking compensation for future damages or if the guilty party for your injuries cannot be determined.
Give the emotional points a focus
You should mention the emotional points that support your claim when negotiating with the insurance provider. For example, point out the accident photos you sent the adjuster, mention strong signs of alcohol poisoning affecting the guilty person, or how difficult your post-accident injuries made it to take care of your children. There is no monetary value to be placed on these types of trouble, but bringing them up in negotiations with the adjuster can get them to settle for fair compensation.
Once you've been injured in a serious accident, your number one priority should be getting the most legitimate reimbursement in order to properly recover and get back to your normal life routines. It can be difficult to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance specialists if you are not properly submitting your claim without proper legal advice. Make sure you know everything that is required before making a claim to ensure your rights and get the best solution.
