How Should I Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies don’t want to spend money since they are in business to make money. If you have been hurt in an accident and you are pursuing a personal injury claim, you should calculate all your losses and figure in pain and suffering to determine a fair settlement amount.

You should not expect the insurance company to offer you a fair settlement right away. Instead, they are going to try to settle the claim for as little amount as possible.

When you file a personal injury claim, you will write a demand letter. In this letter, you will provide details about the incident, why the other part was liable, list your damages and provide supporting documentation, and then come up with a detailed listing of the costs and indicate the amount for which you would be willing to settle your claim. You should always ask for an amount higher than you would be willing to accept. That way, there is room for negotiations.

Negotiating a Settlement

When you are negotiating a settlement, you should understand that the insurance company will offer you less than your claim is worth. They are not going to want to pay out anymore than they must. You should not accept a low settlement.

Instead, you should be willing to wait and negotiate farther. In these situations, a personal injury attorney is very helpful. Personal injury lawyers have negotiation skills, so they are going to be able to work toward a fair settlement.

A lawyer is much more likely to get you the amount your claim deserves. While handling the negotiations on your own might result in you getting a little more than the lowball offer, it will not likely get your what your claim is worth.

How Should I Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?

Considering All the Damages

Make sure you document all the damages. You want the insurance company to be aware of all your damages, so you can ask for compensation for all the damages you suffered. You should also consider any future damages and expenses.

That means you need to include future medical expenses and any future time you will need away from work while you are recovering from the injuries. Otherwise, you will end up covering those costs out of pocket. All claims must be included at once. Your accident injury attorney will help you gather supporting documentation and evidence to support your claim and will calculate the damages.

Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. With the help of an attorney, you are much more likely to get a fair settlement.

To get your claim on the right track, complete the free case evaluation form on this page. An attorney will review the details of your case and determine the best way to proceed.

Your lawyer will not be paid until you are compensated for your damages. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to speak with a lawyer today.

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