After an accident, insurance companies will try to get you to settle for as little as possible. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers whose only job is to save the company money. But with a Buford car accident lawyer on your side to handle insurance negotiations, you can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Preparing for Negotiations With the Insurance Adjuster
Once you’ve filed a claim after your accident, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to handle your case. Their job is to settle claims for as little money as possible, so you’ll need to be ready to stand up for what you deserve.
Do Your Homework
Before talking to the adjuster, review their initial offer carefully. Check recent settlements for similar accidents in your area to determine a fair range. You’ll want to go in with a bottom line in mind for what will cover your costs.
Gather Evidence
Collect any evidence that supports the severity of your injuries and the amount of damage, like photos, witness statements, and medical bills. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be.
Consider Hiring A Lawyer
An attorney who specializes in car accident cases can handle negotiations for you and help maximize your settlement. They’re experienced in dealing with insurance companies and won’t be intimidated by unfair tactics. At a minimum, consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer from an insurance adjuster.
What to Do During Insurance Negotiations
The key to a successful negotiation is staying calm and collected. Don’t get emotional—approach it like a business transaction. Be polite but firm in communicating your needs.
Start High
When the insurance adjuster asks how much you want for your claim, start on the higher end of the fair. You can always come down, but you can’t go up. Do some research on the value of your vehicle to determine a reasonable number to begin with.
Don’t Feel Pressured
The adjuster may use various tactics to get you to settle for less. Don’t feel like you have to accept their first offer. Negotiating is expected, so take your time to evaluate any offers. You can say something like, “I’ll have to think about that.” Ask questions and make counteroffers.
Focus on Your Needs
Explain how much you relied on your vehicle and how losing it has impacted your life. Provide details about the severity of your injuries and medical bills. The more the adjuster understands your situation, the more likely they are to offer a fair settlement.
Mistakes to Avoid When Negotiating With an Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies expect you to counter their initial offer, so don’t take the bait. Politely tell the adjuster their first number is too low, and you were expecting something more reasonable based on your expenses and the circumstances of the accident.
Provide a higher counteroffer and be prepared to negotiate from there. Don’t feel pressured to accept an offer on the spot—you can always ask for time to review the details before responding. Don’t just focus on the total settlement amount—ask the adjuster for a written breakdown of how they calculated that figure.
While you hope to settle your claim directly with the insurance company, it’s wise to consult with an experienced car accident attorney, especially if you have severe or long-term injuries. A lawyer can review the details of your case, ensure the adjuster’s offer is fair, and negotiate on your behalf to potentially get you a higher settlement.
Hire an Experienced Buford Car Accident Lawyer to Negotiate on Your Behalf.
An experienced car accident lawyer understands how insurance adjusters operate and can negotiate on your behalf to maximize your compensation. A lawyer’s negotiation skills and experience dealing with insurance companies can often result in a significantly higher settlement for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
If you feel the insurance company is lowballing you following a car accident, speaking with a personal injury attorney for a free consultation is strongly recommended. Our lawyers at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers have years of experience representing clients in car accident claims and negotiating with insurance adjusters. Call our firm today at 678-635-9939.
