Tips for Getting the Best Personal Injury Settlement

Tips for Getting the Best Personal Injury Settlement

No two personal injury claims are the same. If you have been injured because of the negligence of another party, you are entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered. Of course, the more serious your injuries and the more damages you have suffered, the more you are entitled to recover. You will want to recover the maximum amount that you can for your specific situation. Here is a rundown of what you can to do to get the best personal injury settlement –

• Gather supporting evidence and documentation that prove liability and that show the extent of your injuries and damages. Statements from witnesses, medical bills, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and other documentation can help you prove your injuries could have been avoided had the other party not been negligent.
• Get a specific settlement amount down. Work with your personal injury lawyer to determine the value of your claim. Before a demand letter is sent to the other party’s insurance you will want to know how much your losses total and be sure to decide on the minimal figure you would be willing to accept to resolve the matter.
• Do not accept the first offer that is made. Insurance adjusters start the negotiations by offering a low amount. The adjuster is trying to find out if you do know the value of your claim, and they are also testing your patience. When the first offer is made, you should decline it. Your response should depend on if the offer is reasonable so you can make a counteroffer or if it is too low to even be in consideration.
• Ask the adjuster to justify a low offer. When the adjuster makes a low offer, it is a negotiating tactic to see if you understand the worth of your claim. Ask the adjuster to give you specifics about why they offered you a low amount and be sure to make notes from that conversation.
• Emphasize how emotions come into play. If you have submitted photos of severe injuries that will leave scars, or a demolished car that looks terrible, point that out. If the other driver was found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, make mention of that as well. Be sure to make emotional points.
• Do not reduce your demands until you have reviewed a response from the adjuster. Always wait for another response before reducing your demands.

If you have bene involved in an accident and suffered injuries, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at Harlan Law Firm. A lawyer will help you through the claims process and work to help you negotiate a fair settlement.