Hi! My name is Sam, and I started this blog to help other injured people. Before you start reading, let me tell you a little about myself. Ten years ago, I slipped on a slice of fruit in a grocery store. My leg slid out from under me, and in a freak twist, it was rendered useless. I could no longer work and struggled with intense pain every day. Luckily, I found an accident and injury attorney who was able to get me the compensation I needed to cover my medical bills and my lost time at work. However, while I waited for the settlement to come through, I had to get creative physically and financially. This blog is dedicated to anyone who is in that limbo position. I hope the posts here help you decide what to do while you wait for the results of your trial.
You're entitled to compensation when you sustain injuries due to a wrongful act. However, every accident is different, and your compensation will depend on the nature of the situation. How you handle the lawsuit can also play a role in the payment you will receive after a successful claim. Using the wrong strategies when negotiating your injury payment can cause you to miss some payments to which you're entitled. Consider the following measures to maximize your personal injury settlement.
Determine the Payment to Request Accurately
Usually, your personal injury attorney begins the legal process by determining the payment to negotiate with the insurer. Doing this enables you to know the lowest you can go when insurance adjusters propose a counteroffer. However, you can adjust your figure upwards or downwards depending on the circumstances.
For example, if the adjuster provides information that shows your involvement in the accident, you'll need to request a reasonable amount. On the other hand, you might discover something that might strengthen your claim during negotiations. In this case, you may want to revise the figures upwards to maximize your payment.
Ask for a Justification of the Insurer's Offer
The insurer may use different tactics to make you accept a lower settlement. The first offer is usually lower than the claim's value in most cases. Therefore, it is not advisable to accept a settlement without knowing the factors the adjuster considered when calculating their offer. For this reason, your lawyer should ask the adjuster how they came up with their figure. Then, they'll note these factors and check for errors in the calculations.
Know When to Get Professional Legal Representation
If negotiations get complicated or you feel that they aren't going in your favor, you may need professional legal representation. For example, the adjuster may claim that you were partly to blame for the accident in a bid to offer you a low settlement. The insurance company may also dispute your future damages payment request.
In such situations, it might be necessary to involve a personal injury lawyer in the negotiations. They will conduct a comprehensive investigation to prove that you never participated in the accident. They will also provide evidence to show that you need treatment in the future, as recommended by your doctor.
The measures above will help you maximize your personal injury payment, ensuring that you get every coin you're entitled to. Most importantly, involving a personal injury attorney will ensure that the wrongdoer does not unlawfully reduce or deny you rightful compensation.
Share14 April 2022
