Herron Law LLC, a leading personal injury attorney Portland Oregon, offered helpful tips to increase the size of your car accident settlement. They are as follows:
#1 Have a Settlement Dollar Amount in Mind
Before you talk to an insurance company adjuster about a settlement amount, you should figure out what your minimum number is. The figure is just for your own information and is not something you tell the insurance company. But before there are any negotiations, it helps to have a minimum number in mind.
Remember that you do not have to stick to the figure that you originally set. If the adjuster talks about points that you did not consider that make your claim weaker, you may have to lower your bottom line. But if the adjuster starts with a low number or one that is near your bottom line, you may want to increase your minimum settlement number.
#2 Do Not Take the First Offer
It is standard insurance company practice to offer a low open number. With this tactic, the insurance company finds out if you understand what your case value is. They also learn how patient you are.
When they make the first offer, your response should hinge on whether it is reasonable but low, or so low that it is clearly just a method to see if you understand the process. If there is a reasonable offer, it is smart to make a counteroffer that is a bit lower than what you put in your demand letter. This shows the insurance adjuster that you are being reasonable and can compromise.
Bargaining a bit more may get you to a final settlement figure that is fair for you.
#3 Make The Adjuster Explain a Low Offer
If the adjuster makes an opening offer that is so low it clearly is a test, do not lower your amount. You should ask the insurance adjuster to provide reasons why they made such a low offer. Take notes of what he or she says. Next, write a short letter responding to each of the reasons the adjuster gave. Depending on the strength of the arguments, you might lower your demand a bit. But see if the adjuster will raise their offer before you lower it any more.
#4 Stress Emotional Factors
During settlement negotiations, mention any emotional factors that support your claim. If you send the insurance adjuster a picture of a severe injury, refer to it. Talk about the severity of the injury and how it is causing you pain, limiting your activities, and preventing you from working.
Or, if similar accidents happened at that intersection in the past, refer to them when you talk to the adjuster. If your injury keeps you from playing with your child, mention that your child is suffering, as well.
There is no way to attach a dollar amount to these factors, they can be an effective way to get the insurance company to relent and make a fair offer.
#5 Wait
Do not lower your demand more than one time until you get a new offer from the insurance company. Do not reduce your demand twice without an increased offer from the other side. This is not a good way to bargain.
If the insurance company comes up with more excuses for their low offer, talk about each reason. Once you have talked about each argument, you may get a reasonable offer. Or, you could find the insurance company will not make any more offers. Now you may need to put more pressure on them.
#6 When To Bring in an Attorney
If you feel like negotiations are stalled and the insurer will not make a fair offer, you could talk to a personal injury attorney. This may be a wise idea if:
- You are asking for compensation for severe injuries and pain and suffering that is more than a few thousand dollars. The adjuster probably will not take you seriously when damages add up to $10,000 or more. An attorney is almost always going to get you a better settlement, even after their legal fees.
- You want future damages. If you are asking for future lost income or medical treatment costs that you will incur, it is better to have an attorney handle negotiations.
- Fault is in question. If there is any question who was at fault for the accident, you could need a lawyer to make your argument.
#7 Get the Settlement in Writing
When you and the insurance adjuster agree on a figure, get the agreement in writing right away. Just write a short and sweet letter to the insurance company confirming the agreed-to amount.
Herron Law LLC, an experienced personal injury attorney Portland Oregon, is here to help you if you have questions about your car accident case. Please contact The Herron Law Firm at (503) 699-6496 for more information. sprunki horror Endless Fun Awaits!
