Settlement Negotiation Tips from Tittle & Perlmuter
Dealing with a car accident can be especially challenging. Injured victims have a legal right to full and fair compensation. However, the big insurance companies are often reluctant to pay. We want to help you through the complex accident settlement process. Here’s a list of 8 quick settlement negotiation tips from ourCleveland car accident attorneys:
An insurance company will not be looking out for your best interests. The insurance company is the opposing party in your case. This is true even if you are dealing with your own insurer. You cannot rely on insurance adjusters to guide them through the process. You must keep your guard up at all times. The bottom line: Insurance companies want to reduce your settlement offer.
2. Initiate the Claim as Soon as Possible
Successful auto accident claims require strong supporting evidence. Unfortunately, many important forms of evidence begin to disappear soon after a car crash. To protect your interests, the best thing you can do is to start your claim as soon as you possibly can.
When speaking to an insurance adjuster, you should never admit (or accept) any fault for the wreck. In some cases, the insurance adjuster may try to subtly push partial fault on you. Regardless of the circ*mstances, never willingly accept that fault. It is not your role to judge who is at fault for the crash. Let your Cleveland car accident lawyer handle that issue.
4. Stick to the Facts, Never Speculate
Additionally, when on the phone with an insurance adjuster, you should never give any opinions about your accident, your injuries or your recovery. Instead, always stick strictly to the facts of your case. Insurance adjusters want you to talk a lot about your accident. They want you to engage in baseless speculation. Why? Because they are looking for statements that they can use against you.
5. Know the Rough Value of Your Claim
When getting deeper into negotiations, you must know the rough value of your claim. Without this knowledge, you simply will not be able to get a fair settlement offer. Sadly, insurance companies will exploit your lack of knowledge. Always reject a low insurance settlement offer. If you are unsure as to the value of your claim, you should speak to an attorney immediately.
6. Be Patient, Do Not Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies rarely start with their best offer. Indeed, insurers sometimes try to begin with an unreasonably low offer in order to ‘anchor’ the negotiations in their favor. Again, do not accept a bad offer; you are entitled to full compensation.
7. Get Everything in Writing
It is a best practice to get all important information in writing. This help you to reduce possible confusion with the company. It will also give you documentation that you can hand over to your lawyer for a comprehensive review.
8. Consult with an Ohio Car Accident Attorney
Finally, the single most important settlement tip is that you should always work through an attorney. For more information on how Cleveland car accident lawyers can help, pleasecontactTittle & Perlmuter today. Request a free, no-obligation review of your insurance claim. We are ready to get to work.
Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company
Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything. Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference. Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.
Try to stay level-headed. Keeping the conversation polite and respectful will improve your chances of reaching agreement. It is also important that you take time to prepare yourself before those negotiation talks begin. Good preparation will give you more confidence going into mediation or settlement discussions.
Admitting fault: Using apologetic language is enough for the insurance adjuster to assume you're admitting fault and use that against you. Even if you feel you're at fault, wait for the official investigation to prove what actually happened. Don't say things like “I'm sorry” or “it was my fault.”
Analytical skills: Claims adjusters must have good analytical skills to determine the extent of damage or loss, and to calculate the appropriate settlement amount. Objectivity: A good claims adjuster must be objective, making decisions based on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions or biases.
There is no single silver bullet that automatically ensures you get the most money out of your insurance claim. Instead, you can help maximize your options by keeping records, knowing the terms of your policy, and not accepting an initial settlement offer.
Many variables factor into the amount that you'll pay, but the main considerations are the level of coverage that you'll receive and personal information such as age and personal information. For car insurance, that could mean age and driving record.
Rather, ask why the adjuster has provided this extremely low figure. You should then write a formal letter of response in which you state that you don't find the initial low settlement offer acceptable, listing the reasons why and concluding with a demand for a higher settlement offer.
By negotiating for higher settlements, you can show your clients that they deserve justice. You can provide compassionate legal care by working to hold liable parties responsible.
It is possible to negotiate directly with creditors and settle your debt for less than you owe, but you may want the help of a professional. A quick counseling session from a certified credit counselor can help you discover your options and choose the right path forward.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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