If you have a car accident case that you want to settle as quickly as possible, you need an attorney to help maximize your compensation. Insurance providers and the claims adjusters they send are not easy to deal with, so you don’t want to do it alone. In general, insurance companies are only interested in their profit and bottom line. They won’t care about your injuries and sufferings. They will want to settle your case for as little money as possible.
Negotiations with an insurance claims adjuster must be handled by an attorney who has a set of knowledge and legal expertise. This way, you have a good chance of getting the maximum value for your claim. Sometimes, insurance companies may only take your claim seriously when you file a lawsuit in court. A great lawyer can negotiate with them for you and work towards getting a favorable settlement.
Insurance Companies Make Lowball Settlement Offers
After you file a car accident claim with an insurance company, its adjusters may put an initial offer on the table to settle your case. However, such an offer is far less than the worth of your claim. Your lawyer can make a counteroffer ensuring you get only a favorable settlement. The negotiations can go back and forth until both sides reach an agreement. If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit in court for you. Often, filing a suit can provoke a reaction from the insurance company and forces them to take your case seriously. Keep in mind that just because you file a lawsuit does not automatically mean your case goes to trial. After the filing, negotiations can continue, and sometimes, settlement agreements are reached in this stage.
Concluding Your Case
The majority of car accident cases are resolved without going to court. But, remember that the process doesn’t end when the insurance company makes a fair offer and you decide to accept it. Before you finalize your case, here are steps you should take:
- Sign a document that releases all claims. When you decide to accept a settlement offer, the insurance company will request you to sign a release of all claims which prohibits you from filing claims for the same accident-related injuries in the future.
- Settle your medical bills. You must pay off any outstanding medical bills using the settlement amount you receive from the insurance company. Your attorney can try to negotiate your bills and ensure they are paid promptly. Also, any liens attached to our settlement or compensation must be paid.
