After you’ve filed your auto accident claim, the adjuster who’s been assigned to your case will reach out to you with a settlement offer. You can accept this offer if you wish, but generally it’s in your best interest to have an attorney review the offer and see if you can negotiate to get more money than you’ve been offered. Remember: the adjuster’s job is to save the insurance company money while still giving you somewhat reasonable compensation. They expect you will not push back, and most of the time they’re correct.
Here are a few tips that can help you negotiate more money in that settlement:
- Don’t rush the process: The more you try to rush through the process, the more likely you’ll end up leaving some money on the table. Take some time to go over the offer, and don’t accept any money until you’ve become aware of the full nature and extent of your injury.
- Always work with an attorney: Attorneys can help you analyze any offer you get and make reasonable counter-offers based on the facts of your case.
- Document everything: Keep track of economic losses, lost wages, out of pocket expenses, care received, statements made to adjusters and police and anything else that could potentially impact your case and the amount of money you can get in a settlement.
- Follow all treatment instructions: A failure to abide by physician instructions with regard to treatment could result in you damaging your compensation potential.
For more information about how you can improve your car accident payout, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.